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Karine

Girl name · 23 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Karine: 23 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 1979.

Karine is a elegant variant of Karen, itself a Danish and Norwegian form of Katherine, ultimately from the Greek Aikaterine. The name's exact meaning is debated, but it has long been associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning "pure." Notable bearers include Scottish folk singer-songwriter Karine Polwart, whose poignant storytelling has earned her multiple awards, and Canadian actress Karine Vanasse, best known for her role in the TV series *Pan Am*. While no major places are named directly after a Karine, the name shares its root with countless places called Katherine or St. Catherine around the world. A further note: in France and French-speaking Canada, Karine has been a popular and enduring choice since the mid-20th century, offering a refined alternative to the ubiquitous Karen.