Karina

girlScandinavian or Latin (debated)Christian

Karina is a girl name of Scandinavian or Latin (debated) origin, meaning “Pure (via Katherine); dear”.

MeaningPure (via Katherine); dear
GenderGirl
OriginScandinavian or Latin (debated)
Pronunciationkah-REE-nah
TraditionModern & Classic, Christian
Used inMexico, Russia, Denmark, Peru

Meaning and origin of Karina

Karina has more than one source. In Scandinavia and Eastern Europe it is usually treated as a form of Katarina, whose meaning is commonly given as 'pure'. It has also been linked to the Latin carina, 'keel of a ship', and to the Italian cara, 'dear'. The name became popular in many countries in the twentieth century, including across Latin America, where it is generally pronounced kah-REE-nah.

Is Karina a religious name?

Karina has no specific religious origin of its own, though through Katarina it is connected with Saint Catherine.

How popular is Karina?

A familiar name in Latin America and Eastern Europe, peaking in the late twentieth century.

Gifts with the name Karina

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Spellings and variants of Karina

CarinaKarinKatarinaKarine

Names similar to Karina

CarinaKarlaMarielaDaniela

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Karina mean?

Karina means 'Pure (via Katherine); dear'. It is of Scandinavian or Latin (debated) origin.

Does Karina have a religious meaning?

Karina has no specific religious origin of its own, though through Katarina it is connected with Saint Catherine.

How do you pronounce Karina?

Karina is pronounced kah-REE-nah.

Is Karina a boy or girl name?

Karina is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.