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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Variations on Karen

65 replies

Elambert83 · 27/01/2021 15:41

I have today found out I am expecting another girl. I already have 'Freya Evangeline'

My mum whose name was Karen died last year unexpectedly aged 57 and although I don't like the name Karen, I was wondering what variation I could possibly use as a middle name or even first name if its nice enough.

Thanks

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Firebird83 · 27/01/2021 20:57

Someone I know had a baby last year and gave her the middle name Karen, after her mum. I think it’s fine.

ProudAuntie76 · 27/01/2021 20:43

I know a Kerenza and a Karenna. Kara is nice and I also know a Kierra.

Baycob · 27/01/2021 20:39

I know a Karem.

DraculasMa · 27/01/2021 20:37

My nieces middle name is Karen. She's 3.

Named after our mum.

AprilThe8th · 27/01/2021 20:34
Grin
MumofSpud · 27/01/2021 19:12

Personally I would just go with Karen as a middle name.
But what about Cerys / Kieran ?

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 27/01/2021 18:05

While both Karen variants Kerensa and Katerina go nicely with Freya, I would honestly just use Karen as the middle name. For me the whole point of middle names is to honour relatives, and because middle names are not often used the "Karen" memes won't matter (if they are even still around when your DD is older!)

Firebird83 · 27/01/2021 17:59

Karenza

Original poster
Elambert83 · 27/01/2021 17:59

Cant have wren.... I worked at wren kitchens head office for years and its the biggest employer locally! Grin

OP posts:
cheeseandworcestershireontoast · 27/01/2021 17:48

Ooo @AprilThe8th that’s a good one. Freya and Wren is a lovely combo for sisters too

cheeseandworcestershireontoast · 27/01/2021 17:46

Carys? Sorry for your loss OP Flowers

WINKINGatyourage · 27/01/2021 17:45

Use Karen as a middle name. Pick another for first name.

AprilThe8th · 27/01/2021 17:45

Wren as in KaREN

TreacleHart · 27/01/2021 17:44

Caron

Chilldonaldchill · 27/01/2021 17:43

I really like Karensa - I slightly prefer the Carenza spelling. I knew a lovely one at university.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 27/01/2021 17:33

Carenza is a lovely name. It pays homage to your mum whilst not being Karen. Although I think the Karen meme will wear off shortly, by the time your dd is in her teens it won't be a thing. So I would probably have Karen as a middle name.

I went to school with a girl called Karen but it was pronounced Car- un. Her mum was Swedish so think that was her mums pronunciation. Is that a possibility?

marmitepasta · 27/01/2021 17:29

I know a Kerrin. I quite like it.

Original poster
Elambert83 · 27/01/2021 17:16

Thank you all for the suggestions, far more than I could think of.

The name Karen suddenly has a lot of bad vibes in the press, not sure of the origin.

I think Karensa meaning love was a nice suggestion, thanks. Also liking Katherine and Keren thank you.

Much appreciated x

OP posts:
CeibaTree · 27/01/2021 17:00

I wouldn't use a name you wouldn't like. We used my mum's favourite flower to honour her as she didn't even particularly like her name herself!

Pieceofpurplesky · 27/01/2021 16:55

Was your mum nicknamed Kaz? You could call her Kazia

Prianiki · 27/01/2021 16:46

Carine/Carina (or with a "K")

How lovely to give your child your mum's name. Condolences Flowers

scrivette · 27/01/2021 16:46

Karen would be nice as a middle name on its own, or have two middle names? Or did you Mum have a middle name?

LowlandLucky · 27/01/2021 16:45

Catriona

cobblers123 · 27/01/2021 16:11

Katri
Katrina

Labobo · 27/01/2021 16:04

Kara/Cara - which means beloved.
Karina/Carina
Corinne/Corina

I like some suggestions above: Karrie and Keren.