Karen
girl name#1279 in 2025Karen entered the US charts in 1881, peaked at #3 in 1965, ranks #1279 today — a name gently stepping back from its peak.
Popularity 1881–2025
#1279
rank today
#3
peak (1965)
175
babies in 2025
falling
a name gently stepping back from its peak
Rank by decade
| Decade | Average rank |
|---|---|
| 1880s | #853 |
| 1890s | #1118 |
| 1900s | #1221 |
| 1910s | #1236 |
| 1920s | #1020 |
| 1930s | #264 |
| 1940s | #17 |
| 1950s | #7 |
| 1960s | #6 |
| 1970s | #27 |
| 1980s | #86 |
| 1990s | #133 |
| 2000s | #167 |
| 2010s | #467 |
| 2020s | #1124 |
Strongest states
Over the last decade, Karen has been most popular in CA, TX, NY.
Living bearers
About 823,000 people named Karen are estimated to be alive in the US today.
The typical Karen alive today was born around 1960, making them about 65 years old.
Estimated from official SSA birth records and life tables.
Names similar in popularity
Frequently asked questions
- How popular is the name Karen in 2025?
- Karen ranks #1279 among US girl names in 2025, with 175 babies given the name.
- When was the name Karen most popular?
- Karen peaked in 1965, reaching #3 among US girl names.
- Will my child share the name Karen with classmates?
- Karen will almost certainly be the only one in school.
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