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Karin

Girl name · 212 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Karin: 212 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 20 births in 1981.

A Scandinavian form of Katherine, Karin traces back to the Greek *katharos*, meaning “pure.” It gained popularity across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and has been steadily used in Scotland since the mid-20th century. Notable bearers include Swedish poet Karin Boye, whose haunting work *Yes, of course it hurts* remains a classic, and Norwegian crime writer Karin Fossum, known for her Inspector Sejer novels. The name shares its etymological root with Saint Catherine, inspiring countless places named St. Catherine’s or Katherine. While Karin is often seen as a variant of the more international Karen, it carries a distinctly Nordic crispness—think of the *Karin* in Astrid Lindgren’s family—making it a quietly elegant choice for parents who want something familiar yet understated.