Karen

Karen is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Greek name Katharine, meaning 'pure' or 'innocent'. The name was introduced to the English-speaking world through the Danish form 'Karin' and the Swedish form 'Karin' or 'Karen'.

The name gained widespread popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1960s. It was among the top 10 most popular names for baby girls born in the United States in the 1960s.

In recent years, the name Karen has taken on a somewhat negative connotation in popular culture, being associated with a stereotypical kind of entitled, demanding, and sometimes racist behavior exhibited by some middle-aged white women. However, this stereotype does not accurately reflect the vast majority of women named Karen.

Notable people with the name Karen include Karen Carpenter, the American singer and drummer, and Karen Blixen, the Danish author best known for her book 'Out of Africa'.