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Kareen Unisex

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-REEN //kəˈriːn//

Origin: Arabic; Hindi; Sanskrit

Meaning: Arabic: 'noble'; Hindi: 'pure'; Sanskrit: 'beloved'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kareen has its roots in the Hebrew name "Keren," which translates to "horn" or "ray of light." This name appears in the Old Testament, where it is associated with a biblical figure, Keren-Happuch, one of the daughters of Job, noted for her beauty and significance in the narrative. The name Keren was later adopted into Greek as "Kerenē" and subsequently into Latin, maintaining its original meaning.

The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of biblical translations, particularly the King James Bible in the early 17th century, which popularized many biblical names and their variants in English-speaking cultures. Throughout history, the name has been associated with various cultural and religious contexts.

In Jewish tradition, names derived from Hebrew often carry significant meanings and are chosen for their spiritual connotations. The name Kareen, while less common, reflects this tradition of meaningful naming, embodying qualities such as strength and illumination.

Its variations and diminutives, such as Keren or Karen, have been used in different cultures, often adapting to local languages and customs. Culturally, the name Kareen resonates with themes of light and strength, which have been symbolically important in various traditions.

The imagery of a horn can also be linked to themes of celebration and proclamation, as horns are often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. This connection to light and sound enhances the name's significance, suggesting a presence that is both powerful and illuminating.

Overall, Kareen's historical and cultural roots contribute to its enduring legacy, reflecting a rich tapestry of linguistic and symbolic associations.

Famous people named Kareen

Kareen Abdul Jabbar is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, and for being the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
Kareen K. is a singer and songwriter best known for her work in the pop and R&B genres.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kareen was first seen in the United States in 1972. Kareen has ranked as high as #1007 nationally, which occurred in 1975, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, California, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Kareen has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kareen (1995)

State Births Share
NY 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
197236
197330
197449
197571
197650
197745
197836
197931
198035
198129
198235
198323
198429
198515
198618
198711
198820
198919
199017
199116
199216
199319
19947
199511
19977
19985
199913
20009
20018
20086
20107
20127
20167
20175