Karina is a feminine given name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Russian word "kary" which means "snow". The name Karina has been popular throughout Eastern Europe for many years and has gained international recognition due to its melodious sound and beautiful meaning.
The name Karina was first used in Russia during the 19th century but gained prominence after World War II. It became particularly popular in Poland, where it is now one of the top ten most common female names.
In addition to its Slavic roots, Karina has also been adopted by other cultures around the world. In Spain, for example, Karina is often associated with the Puerto Rican singer and actress Karina Castillo, who rose to fame in the 1970s. Meanwhile, in South America, Karina is a popular name among Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal.
Despite its widespread use, there are no major historical figures or celebrities named Karina that have significantly influenced its popularity. Instead, people seem to be drawn to the name for its simple yet elegant sound and its poetic meaning related to snow.
In terms of usage today, Karina remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique yet timeless name for their daughters. It is often spelled in various ways such as Carina, Karin, or even Karena, but its core essence remains the same - a beautiful name inspired by nature's own beauty.
The name Karina has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past seven decades in the United States. In the 1950s and early 1960s, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year between 1956 and 1964.
However, starting from 1965, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Karina. Between 1965 and 1973, the annual birth count more than tripled, reaching 180 births in 1973. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a peak of 849 births recorded in 1987.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Karina remained popular, with over 1,500 babies named Karina each year between 1989 and 2003. However, after 2004, there was a noticeable decline in popularity. Between 2004 and 2023, the annual birth count dropped significantly, from 1,734 births in 2004 to just 365 births in 2023.
In total, over the past seven decades, there have been 60,719 babies named Karina in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Karina remains a recognizable and culturally significant name in American history.