Carina is a female given name of Latin origin, meaning "little dear" or "beloved". It entered prominence during the late Middle Ages and was often bestowed upon individuals as an expression of affection. The name gained popularity in various European countries, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Scandinavia. In some languages, such as Spanish, it is also used as a masculine given name, though it is more commonly associated with females. The variant spelling 'Carina' is often preferred over 'Carine', which is less common internationally. In literature, Carina has been featured as a character in several works, including 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas and 'Carrie' by Stephen King. Today, the name Carina continues to be widely recognized and used globally.
"Carina's popularity peaks in the early 90s with eight births recorded in 1990, followed by a steady decline."