Karyn Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAR-in //ˈkɛərɪn//
Origin: English; Irish
Meaning: English: Pure; Irish: Little and dark
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Karyn is a variant of the name Karen, which has its roots in the Danish name Karin, a diminutive form of the name Katherine. The name Katherine itself originates from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is believed to derive from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure." This etymological journey reflects a transition from Greek to Latin, where it became Catharina, and then to Old French as Catherine, before evolving into various forms in different languages, including Karen in Scandinavian contexts and Karyn in English-speaking regions.
Historically, the name Katherine has been borne by numerous notable figures, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, who is often associated with wisdom and learning. Her legacy contributed to the name's popularity in medieval Europe, particularly in the Christian tradition.
The name Katherine appeared in various forms across different cultures, and its variants have been used in significant literary works, including Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" in the 14th century, which helped to solidify its presence in English literature. Culturally, the name Karyn, as a derivative of Karen, carries associations of purity and virtue, reflecting its Greek origins.
The name has been embraced in various contexts, often symbolizing strength and resilience. Additionally, the diminutive form Karen has been widely used in various cultures, further embedding the name's significance in societal narratives.
The evolution of Karyn from its historical roots illustrates the dynamic nature of names and their ability to adapt while retaining connections to their original meanings.
Famous people named Karyn
Karyn Parsons is an actress best known for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Major Payne, and The Job.
Sibling suggestions
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Karyn was first seen in the United States in 1932.
Karyn has ranked as high as #636 nationally, which occurred in 1964, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Karyn has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Karyn (2016)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1932 | 6 |
| 1937 | 9 |
| 1938 | 19 |
| 1939 | 21 |
| 1940 | 25 |
| 1941 | 33 |
| 1942 | 71 |
| 1943 | 53 |
| 1944 | 64 |
| 1945 | 82 |
| 1946 | 99 |
| 1947 | 188 |
| 1948 | 176 |
| 1949 | 176 |
| 1950 | 206 |
| 1951 | 173 |
| 1952 | 138 |
| 1953 | 153 |
| 1954 | 156 |
| 1955 | 151 |
| 1956 | 208 |
| 1957 | 220 |
| 1958 | 221 |
| 1959 | 230 |
| 1960 | 242 |
| 1961 | 255 |
| 1962 | 415 |
| 1963 | 539 |
| 1964 | 607 |
| 1965 | 510 |
| 1966 | 417 |
| 1967 | 436 |
| 1968 | 463 |
| 1969 | 427 |
| 1970 | 460 |
| 1971 | 484 |
| 1972 | 384 |
| 1973 | 378 |
| 1974 | 342 |
| 1975 | 340 |
| 1976 | 329 |
| 1977 | 372 |
| 1978 | 307 |
| 1979 | 275 |
| 1980 | 281 |
| 1981 | 213 |
| 1982 | 167 |
| 1983 | 187 |
| 1984 | 123 |
| 1985 | 151 |
| 1986 | 130 |
| 1987 | 148 |
| 1988 | 144 |
| 1989 | 166 |
| 1990 | 145 |
| 1991 | 127 |
| 1992 | 119 |
| 1993 | 104 |
| 1994 | 104 |
| 1995 | 80 |
| 1996 | 67 |
| 1997 | 62 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 58 |
| 2000 | 68 |
| 2001 | 46 |
| 2002 | 47 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 35 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 27 |
| 2008 | 36 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 24 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 23 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2024 | 7 |