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Caryn

Girl name · 77 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Caryn: 77 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 1985.

A modern twist on the classic Karen, Caryn ultimately derives from the Greek Aikaterine, meaning ‘pure’. The spelling gained traction in the mid‑20th century, offering a fresh alternative to the dominant form. Among its most famous bearers is Caryn Elaine Johnson, better known as Whoopi Goldberg, the acclaimed actor and EGOT winner whose stage name became a household word. While there are no prominent place names directly linked to Caryn, it shares its etymological root with the Scottish town of Carden or the Irish place name Carrick. Notably, Caryn can also be a Hebrew name meaning ‘shining ray’, adding a layer of luminescence to its appeal.

Girl 17 of 52 years

Peak year
19857 babies
Latest (2004)
#6633 babies
Total births
77since 1975
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1985 · 7
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).