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Caren

Girl name · 33 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Caren: 33 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 1974.

Caren is a modern English variant of Karen, itself the Danish short form of Katherine — a name rooted in the Greek *Aikaterine*, long associated with the meaning “pure.” Though less common than the standard spelling, Caren has been carried by actresses such as Caren Kaye, known for 1980s comedies like *My Tutor*, and New Zealand’s Caren Pistorius, who appeared in the film *The Light Between Oceans*. The name shares its ultimate origin with the Scottish town of Catterline, whose name may derive from the same Gaelic root as Catherine, though the link is indirect. As a variant spelling, Caren offers a slightly fresher take on a classic, while still feeling familiar — a quiet alternative for parents who