The baby name Karen is a unisex name, 2 syllables long and is pronounced "KA-ren".
Karen is Danish in Origin.
Karen is a name of Danish origin, meaning "pure" or "chaste". It was first introduced to English-speaking countries in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that it became popular. The name reached its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, and has since declined in popularity.
Karen is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to girls. The pronunciation of Karen is KAH-ren, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The name is composed of two syllables, with the first syllable being derived from the Old Norse word "kær", meaning "pure" or "beloved", and the second syllable being a diminutive suffix.
The name Karen has been associated with a stereotype of a middle-aged, entitled, and demanding woman, often referred to as a "Karen". This stereotype has led to some negative connotations associated with the name. However, it is important to remember that a name does not define a person, and that individuals should not be judged based on their name alone.
Karen has the following similar or variant Names
Celebrities with the Name Karen
Karen Carpenter Karen Carpenter was an American singer and drummer, best known as the lead vocalist of the Carpenters. She became famous for her unique contralto vocals and her ability to play the drums while singing. Some of her most memorable achievements include winning three Grammy Awards, selling over 100 million records worldwide, and being inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983. |
Karen Polinesia Karen Polinesia is a Mexican musical artist, social media personality, and YouTube star who is part of the famous channel LosPolinesios. She and her siblings post comedy videos, vlogs, and sketches that entertain over 25.6 million subscribers on YouTube. They have four more channels with a combined subscriber base of over 46 million. Karen Polinesia is also popular on Instagram with close to 8 million followers and on TikTok with no less than 14.5 million fans. She is active on Twitter, where she has over 2.4 million followers. |
Karen Allen Karen Allen is an American actress who is best known for her role as Marion Ravenwood in the blockbuster movie franchise Indiana Jones. She has also appeared in several other successful films throughout her career, including Animal House, Starman, and The Wanderers. In addition to her acting work, Allen is also a talented director and has directed several award-winning short films. |
Karen L. Henderson Karen L. Henderson is a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She is famous for her dedication to upholding the rule of law and her expertise in complex civil litigation. Some of her most memorable achievements include serving as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia and being appointed to the Fourth Circuit by President Donald Trump in 2018. |
Karen Thurman Karen Thurman is an American politician who served as the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party from 2005 to 2010. She is famous for her contributions to the Democratic Party, especially in the state of Florida. Some of her most memorable achievements include leading the successful effort to elect Barack Obama as President in 2008 and increasing Democratic voter turnout in Florida during her tenure as party chair. |
Karen Finley Karen Finley is an American performance artist, writer, and activist who gained notoriety in the 1980s for her provocative and controversial work. She is famous for her bold and confrontational style, which often addresses issues of gender, sexuality, and political power. Some of her most memorable achievements include her performance in "We Keep Our Victims Ready," which was denounced by conservative politicians and led to a national debate on censorship and artistic freedom. |
Karen Rothmyer Karen Rothmyer was an accomplished journalist and editor, best known for her contributions to The Nation magazine. She served as the editor of The Nation from 1984 to 1995, during which time she oversaw the publication of groundbreaking investigative pieces and helped to shape the magazine |
Karen Akers Karen Akers is an American actress and singer known for her performances on Broadway, in cabaret, and on television. She is famous for her soulful voice, elegant style, and powerful stage presence. Some of her most memorable achievements include her Tony-nominated role in the musical "Nine" and her appearances in popular TV shows such as "Law & Order" and "The Equalizer." |
Karen Valentine Karen Valentine is an American actress, best known for her role as Alice Johnson in the television series "Room 222". She received an Emmy Award for her performance in the series, which ran from 1969 to 1974. Valentine also appeared in several films, including "The Grasshopper" and "Hot Lead and Cold Feet". |
Karen Sharpe Karen Sharpe was a prominent American actress known for her remarkable performances in Hollywood films during the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in various films, including "The High and the Mighty," "An American in Paris," and "Funny Face." Sharpe's most memorable achievements include her nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and her induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
Karen Hughes Karen Hughes is a well-known American political strategist, public relations specialist, and communications consultant. She is famous for her work in presidential campaigns, including George W. Bush's successful bid for the presidency in 2000. Some of her most memorable achievements include her role as the first female counselor to the president and her work in shaping the messaging of the White House during the early years of the Bush administration. |
Karen O Karen O is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a rock band which formed in 2000. Karen O has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, and her energetic stage presence, unique vocal style, and eclectic fashion sense have made her a beloved and influential figure in the indie rock scene. |
Karen Blixen Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen, was a Danish author and storyteller famous for her memoir "Out of Africa" which chronicled her life in Kenya. She is also known for her short stories, including "Babette's Feast," which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Blixen's work is characterized by her lyrical prose, vivid descriptions of African landscapes and cultures, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human condition. |
Karen Kilgariff Karen Kilgariff is a multi-talented American comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known for co-hosting the true crime comedy podcast "My Favorite Murder" alongside Georgia Hardstark. Kilgariff has also written for various television shows, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Rosie Show," and "The Pete Holmes Show." |
Karen B. Stewart Karen B. Stewart is a renowned American author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is best known for her acclaimed book "Clean Break," which details her journey of leaving an abusive marriage and starting a successful business. Some of her notable achievements include founding the nonprofit organization "The KBS Foundation" and being a recipient of the prestigious "Women of Courage" award. |
Karen Shepherd Karen Shepherd is a renowned American politician who served as a member of the Utah House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. She is known for her advocacy for education and healthcare reform, as well as for her work on environmental issues. Some of her notable achievements include sponsoring bills that improved access to healthcare for low-income Utahns and advocating for the protection of Utah's natural resources. |
Karen Ignagni Karen Ignagni is a healthcare policy expert and former CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). She is known for her work in healthcare reform and advocacy for the insurance industry. Some of her most notable achievements include leading AHIP during the passage of the Affordable Care Act and negotiating with the Obama administration on healthcare reform. |
Karen Mantler Karen Mantler is an American musician and composer known for her unique style that blends jazz, rock, and avant-garde music. Some of her most memorable achievements include releasing several critically acclaimed albums such as "Karen Mantler's Pet Project" and "My Cat Arnold", as well as collaborating with notable musicians such as John Zorn, NRBQ, and Carla Bley. Mantler continues to push the boundaries of experimental music and inspire future generations of musicians. |
Karen L. Daniel Karen L. Daniel is a renowned attorney who has dedicated her career to fighting for justice and equality. She is best known for her work as a criminal defense lawyer, where she has successfully represented clients in high-profile cases. Some of her most memorable achievements include securing the release of a wrongfully convicted man after 26 years in prison and successfully arguing before the Supreme Court to overturn the death penalty for intellectually disabled individuals. |
Karen Black Karen Black was an American actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s for her captivating performances on stage and screen. She is best known for her roles in films such as Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, and Nashville, which earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Black was also a talented writer and singer, further cementing her status as a multi-talented artist. |
Karen Hastie Williams Karen Hastie Williams is a prominent lawyer and community leader in the Washington D.C. area. She is known for her advocacy work in civil rights and social justice, and has served on numerous boards and committees focused on these issues. Some of her most notable achievements include being the first African-American woman to serve as a partner at a major law firm in D.C., and receiving the Washington Bar Association's Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit for her contributions to the legal profession. |
Karen M. Garrison Karen M. Garrison is a renowned American author, poet, and educator, known for her literary works that explore the themes of race, gender, and identity. She is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including "African American Women Playwrights Confront Violence: A Critical Study" and "African American Women's Rhetoric: The Search for Dignity, Personhood, and Honor". Garrison's scholarly contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship. |
Karen Gillan Karen Gillan is a Scottish actress, writer, and director who rose to fame for her role as Amy Pond in the popular British television series Doctor Who. She has also starred in blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. In addition to her acting career, Gillan has written and directed several short films, including The Party's Just Beginning, which premiered at the Glasgow Film Festival in 2018. |
Karen J. Mathis Karen J. Mathis is a renowned American lawyer and legal expert. She is best known for serving as the first female president of the American Bar Association from 2006 to 2007, where she advocated for access to justice and diversity in the legal profession. Mathis has also been recognized for her contributions to the field of corporate law, having served as the chair of the corporate governance committee of the ABA Business Law Section. |
Karen N. Horn Karen N. Horn is a well-known economist and academician. She is famous for her contributions to the fields of economics, finance, and public policy. Her most memorable achievements include serving as the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and being a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. Additionally, she has published numerous research papers and books on various topics in economics. |
Karen Morrow Karen Morrow is an American actress, singer, and comedian famous for her work in theater, television, and film. She is best known for her roles in musicals such as "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road." Some of her most memorable achievements include receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," hosting her own television variety series called "The Karen Morrow Show," and being inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2019. |
Karen Bass Karen Bass is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for California's 37th congressional district from 2013 to 2021. She is known for her work on criminal justice reform, healthcare reform, and affordable housing initiatives. Some of her most memorable achievements include co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, passing legislation to increase access to mental health services, and leading efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. |
Karen Malina White Karen Malina White is an American actress, best known for her roles in television shows and films such as A Different World, The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie, and Lean on Me. Her most memorable achievements include receiving an NAACP Image Award nomination for her role in The Proud Family and acting in the critically acclaimed film The Great Debaters alongside Denzel Washington. In addition to her acting career, White is also a writer and producer. |
Karen Duffy Karen Duffy is an American television personality, author, and model. She is best known for her work as an MTV VJ in the 1990s, as well as her appearances in films such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "Reality Bites". In addition to her entertainment career, Duffy has also written two books, "Model Patient: My Life As an Incurable Wise-Ass" and "Backbone: Living with Chronic Pain without Turning into One". |
Karen Czarnecki Karen Czarnecki is a renowned American diplomat, analyst, and strategist who has made significant contributions in the field of international relations and national security. She is famous for her insightful analyses of global political, economic, and security issues. Karen's most memorable achievements include serving as the Director of European Affairs at the National Security Council, leading the US delegation to the OSCE, and being a recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service. |
Karen Tumulty Karen Tumulty is an accomplished American journalist, political analyst, and author. She is best known for her coverage of politics and Congress for The Washington Post. Tumulty's most memorable achievements include receiving the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency, and being named one of the Top 50 Women in Media by Forbes. |
Karen Horney Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst and one of the first female psychiatrists. She is famous for her theory of neurosis, which challenged the Freudian approach to psychoanalysis. Her most memorable achievements include founding the American Institute for Psychoanalysis, publishing several influential books on psychoanalysis and feminism, and advocating for women's rights in the field of psychology. |
Karen McCarthy Karen McCarthy was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. She was known for her advocacy of healthcare reform, environmental protection, and human rights. Some of her most notable achievements include co-authoring the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000 and sponsoring the Clean Smokestacks Act of 2002. |
Karen Steele Karen Steele was an American actress, best known for her roles in western and science fiction movies during the 1950s and 1960s. She appeared in many popular TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone", "Bonanza" and "Rawhide". Some of her most memorable achievements include starring in the movie "Marty" (1955), which won four Academy Awards, and being featured in the classic science fiction film "Star Trek: The Cage" (1965). |
Karen Morley Karen Morley was an American actress who rose to fame during the 1930s. She appeared in dozens of films such as "Scarface" and "Our Daily Bread". Morley was also a member of the Communist Party and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. |
Karen Silkwood Karen Silkwood was an American labor union activist known for her efforts to expose health and safety violations at the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant in Oklahoma. She was also a whistleblower who revealed the company's mishandling and cover-up of nuclear materials. Her death in a suspicious car accident in 1974 led to a lawsuit and a significant settlement for her estate. |
Karen Armstrong Karen Armstrong is a British author and scholar known for her extensive work on comparative religion and religious history. She has authored numerous books, including "A History of God" and "The Great Transformation," which have been translated into over 45 languages. Armstrong has received several awards for her contributions to interfaith understanding and dialogue, including the TED Prize in 2008. |
Karen Sillas Karen Sillas is an American actress best known for her roles in independent films and television. She has appeared in numerous films such as "What Happened Was..." and "The Saint of Fort Washington." Sillas has also worked on TV shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Sopranos." |
Karen Elliott House Karen Elliott House is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, editor, and author. She is famous for her extensive coverage of the Middle East and her deep understanding of the region's politics and culture. Some of her most memorable achievements include serving as the publisher of The Wall Street Journal and authoring several books, including "On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines - and Future." |
Karen Young Karen Young is a renowned American actress and producer, best known for her work in film and television. She made her breakthrough in the 1983 film "The Day After" and has since starred in several popular TV shows such as "Law & Order" and "The Sopranos". Her most memorable achievements include winning a Daytime Emmy Award for her role in the soap opera "One Life to Live" and receiving critical acclaim for her performance in the film "Heading South". |
Karen Jurgensen Karen Jurgensen is a renowned journalist and editor, known for her exceptional work in the field. She has been the editor-in-chief of USA Today, one of the largest newspapers in the United States, and also served as the executive editor of The Washington Post. Jurgensen is famous for her journalistic integrity, leadership skills, and dedication to excellence, which have earned her numerous accolades and awards throughout her career, including the Pulitzer Prize. |
Karen Gordon Mills Karen Gordon Mills is an American politician, businesswoman, and advocate for small businesses. She is most famous for serving as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. During her tenure, Mills oversaw the implementation of several initiatives to help small businesses recover from the economic recession, including the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the State Trade and Export Promotion Program. |
Karen R. Lawrence Karen R. Lawrence is an American scholar, specializing in English Literature and Women's Studies. She is best known for her tenure as the President of Sarah Lawrence College, where she served from 2007 to 2017, and for her work as a literary critic and author. Some of her most memorable achievements include the publication of several books and articles on literature, gender studies, and higher education, as well as her advocacy for the liberal arts and for diversity in academia. |
Karen W. Katz Karen W. Katz is a renowned American author and illustrator, famous for her children's books. She has authored and illustrated over 50 books, many of which have become bestsellers and have been translated into multiple languages. Some of her most memorable achievements include receiving the Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature and being inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. |
Karen Nelson Moore Karen Nelson Moore is a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She is known for her extensive legal career and commitment to public service. Some of her most notable achievements include serving as the first female President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and being awarded the Ohio Women's Bar Association's President's Choice Award. |
Karen Grassle Karen Grassle is an American actress, best known for her role as Caroline Ingalls in the TV series "Little House on the Prairie". She has also appeared in several other TV shows and films, including "Murder, She Wrote" and "Wyatt Earp". Grassle's most notable achievements include her Emmy-nominated performance in "Little House on the Prairie" and her induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. |
Karen Philipp Karen Philipp is an American actress, singer, and television personality. She is best known for her appearances on popular TV shows like "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island". Some of her most memorable achievements include her role as a co-host on the talk show "The Merv Griffin Show" and her performance as Maria in the Los Angeles production of "West Side Story". |
Karen L. Katen Karen L. Katen is a renowned businesswoman who served as the Vice Chairman of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. She is also famous for her role as the President of Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals. Katen played a significant role in Pfizer's successful merger with Warner-Lambert and led the company's worldwide pharmaceutical operations. |