Origin
The name Karina has Latin roots, derived from 'Catharina' or 'Katherine', meaning 'pure'. It is widely used in European languages and disseminated into Australia through European settlement. The name is not originally Aboriginal or Māori but has gained popularity in Australia due to cultural exchange and immigration.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'pure'. In Australian English, it often connotes elegance and clarity, reflecting its Latin origin. The name is valued for its soft sound and balanced structure.
Pronunciation
/kəˈriːnə/ (kuh-REE-nuh), with the emphasis on the second syllable, following typical Australian pronunciation norms. The pronunciation maintains the soft 'k' sound and a clear 'i' vowel.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Karina (original spelling)
- Carina (alternative spelling)
- Karyna (less common variant)
Nicknames
- Kari
- Rina
Name Days
- 25 July (Feast of Saint Catherine)
- Katherine & Karina celebrated on 25 November (Christianity)
- Rā Whānau Māori of Karina (culturally significant event, if relevant)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with karina:
- Charlotte and Karina
- Sophie and Karina
- Emily and Karina
Fun Facts
- The name gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, often inspired by European actresses named Karina.
- In Australian arts, Marion Karina was a popular jazz singer in the 1950s.
- The name is often associated with elegance and simplicity in Australian pop culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name karina:
- elegant
- gentle
- artistic
- compassionate
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a graceful visual balance; the 'K' initial adds a distinct appearance compared to more common names, while the soft vowels contribute to an elegant typographic impression.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in coastal and urban regions where European communities settled, such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, but broadly distributed across Australia.
Numerological Significance
Number 7 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, often considered a thoughtful and spiritual number.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological connections, but individuals named Karina may find resonance with qualities of the zodiac signs associated with intuition and harmony, such as Cancer or Libra.
Historical Context
Karina has been used in Australia since the mid-20th century, influenced by European migration and the popularity of European cinema and arts featuring women with the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining recognizable forms in English, Spanish, Italian, and other Latin-based languages. Non-Latin script adaptations are minimal as it is primarily used in Roman script.
Famous People Named karina
- Karina Lombard (actress)
- Karina Smirnoff (dancer and choreographer)
- Karina Pasian (singer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 1 |
2016 | 1 |
2015 | 1 |
1987 | 77 |
1985 | 134 |