Karen

Karen as a feminine given name in Scandinavian and English-speaking countries is a Danish and Norwegian short form of Katherine, itself derived through Latin and Greek from a name of disputed origin, possibly related to the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. It spread widely across the English-speaking world during the mid-twentieth century, becoming one of the most popular women's names in the United States and United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s. As a masculine Armenian name, Karen derives from a noble Parthian clan name, the Karen, borne by one of the seven great houses of ancient Iran, and it remains in use among Armenian men today. Related feminine forms include Katherine, Katharine, Karin, Karina, and Katerina.