Karen: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural or religious traditions celebrated across many countries, often honoring the saint associated with the name. The name Karen has various celebrations, including April 29th in Spain and November 25th in the United States. Historically, Karen has been a deeply entrenched name, particularly known for its peak usage in the mid-20th century history in the USA. Originating from the name Katherine, it carries the classic meaning of "pure." Its tone is generally perceived as traditional, sensible, and feminine.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Karen's name day is celebrated
on April 29 in Spain,
August 2 in Norway and
November 25 in Greece and the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Karen experienced immense popularity in the United States, particularly peaking in usage during the 1950s and 1960s. It consistently ranked within the top 20 female names for several decades during the mid-20th century. While its general usage began to decline significantly toward the end of the century, it remains a recognizable classic name. In contemporary American culture, the name has undergone a significant shift in public perception. This change reflects a modern cultural stereotype associated with certain behavioral characteristics.
Name origin and meaning
The name Karen is widely recognized as a Danish contraction of the name Katherine. As a result of this connection, its established meaning is often understood to be "pure" or "clear." This meaning is derived from the ancient Greek word *katharos*, which serves as the root for the Katherine naming tradition. The name first became prevalent in Scandinavian countries before migrating into the English-speaking world. It carries a sense of simplicity and traditional refinement due to its long history of usage.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Karen is overwhelmingly classified as a feminine name across nearly all regions globally where it is used. Historically, it has been consistently utilized for female identity in European and Anglophone countries. While exceptions might exist in certain extremely niche or localized communities, worldwide the name functions almost exclusively as a female identifier. In regions such as the United States, the UK, and Scandinavia, it is unequivocally understood to be female. Therefore, Karen is definitively categorized as a female name in general usage.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Karen traditionally conveys a mood of understated elegance and classic simplicity. It possesses a smooth, accessible tone that feels mature and somewhat formal. Before contemporary cultural shifts, the name evoked reliability and conventional strength, lending it a traditional personality. The sound is clear and crisp, suggesting an individual who is decisive and organized. Overall, the name projects a sensible and established vibe rather than a playful or overtly romantic one.
A Perfectly Balanced Name with Unique Letters: Karen
An isogrammic name is a unique type of name where no letter appears more than once. This characteristic makes it visually and structurally distinct, adding to its appeal. Such names are relatively rare, especially those with six or more letters, making them stand out even more. Having an isogrammic name gives it a balanced and harmonious look, making it a special choice.
The Harmonious Dance of Letters: Karen
Names with a perfect alternation of vowels and consonants create a natural rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically balanced. This structured interplay of sounds gives these names a smooth, flowing character, making them stand out effortlessly. Their symmetry and musicality contribute to their timeless appeal across different languages and cultures.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Karen
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 22 – The Master Builder.
Keywords: Manifestation, practical genius, legacy, discipline.
Positive Traits: Highly skilled, powerful leader, visionary, master of big projects.
Challenges: High expectations, stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed.
Life Path Meaning: A mission to turn dreams into reality and create something lasting for humanity.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 6 - The Nurturer.
Traits: Responsible, family-oriented, compassionate, protective.
Strengths: Caring, loyal, great at building harmony.
Challenges: Can be controlling, overly self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Uranus - Innovation, Rebellion, Originality.
Uranus governs innovation, change, and forward-thinking. Names under Uranus’ influence often belong to individuals who are unconventional, independent, and visionary. These names resonate with those who challenge norms, embrace individuality, and thrive in creative or technological fields. Uranus-ruled names often suggest uniqueness and originality.
Name days: Name Karen
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Spain | April | 29 | Catalina, Karen, Katia, Teodora, Wilfredo |
 Norway | August | 2 | Karen, Karin |
 Greece | November | 25 | Catherine, Karen, Katerina, Merkourios |
 USA | November | 25 | Caitlin, Caitlyn, Carina, Caryn, Catherine, Cathleen, Cathy, Kaitlin, Kaitlynn, Kara, Karen, Kari, Karina, Kate, Katelyn, Katelynn, Katharine, Katherine, Kathleen, Kathryn, Kathy, Katie, Katrina, Treena, Trina, Trinity |
Karen: A name of classic purity.
The name Karen holds a rich history of popularity, especially marking a strong presence in the American naming landscape of the mid-20th century. Rooted firmly in the classical tradition, its meaning is derived from the concept of purity. Globally, Karen is universally recognized and used as a definitively female name. The overall mood associated with the name is one of traditional reliability and sensible maturity. Celebrations of the name day are diverse, occurring across various dates such as August 2nd in Norway and November 25th internationally.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
