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Baby names

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

Original poster

Alternative names to Karen

133 replies

StarsieZ · 18/09/2022 04:25

My mum recently passed away, I had never thought of using her name to name any future daughters but the question came up the other day from a friend and it's made me question it. Alas, my mums name was 'Karen' and I am not going to name my child that even as a middle name.

Does anyone have any ideas as to names that are similar/nickname etc that I might use? My mum didn't have a middle name either so that's out too, I did think of 'Wren' but that's as far as I've got.

Thanks for any advice/ideas 😊

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Longdarkcloud · 25/11/2022 17:43

Katarina is another form of Kathrine as I believe are Catriona and Katrina.

VenusClapTrap · 25/11/2022 17:34

Lots of lovely alternatives on here but you may also consider the name of some one your Mum really admired, that had a strong connection to her that will make you think of her. Say if your mum loved ballet you could use the name of her favourite dancer.

I did this. For similar reasons to you. When people hear her name they often say “Oh after the actress?” and I reply, “Yes, she was my mum’s favourite”. It’s a comforting connection.

alotoftutus · 24/11/2022 23:20

I think Wren is beautiful. I also like Carrie

ByTheGrace · 24/11/2022 22:08

LearnerCook · 24/11/2022 20:58

I'm sorry for your loss, OP.

My name is Karen and it breaks my heart to see my name being used as an agiest and misogynistic slur. I hope PPs are right and this horrible use fades away and soon.

Would you consider 2 middle names for your baby, and make Karen the third of the three; it's still there to honour your mother but is unlikely to be used as much.

I'm changing mine. It's been going on for a long time now, we're even getting one of those daft Karen's diners nearby, which has brought it even more to the fore.

My name gets commented on a lot, I hate it. At first I just laughed along, but I'm so bloody polite in real life and it's really getting me down, especially the racist element.

LearnerCook · 24/11/2022 20:58

I'm sorry for your loss, OP.

My name is Karen and it breaks my heart to see my name being used as an agiest and misogynistic slur. I hope PPs are right and this horrible use fades away and soon.

Would you consider 2 middle names for your baby, and make Karen the third of the three; it's still there to honour your mother but is unlikely to be used as much.

ByTheGrace · 23/11/2022 21:17

SingingSands · 22/11/2022 18:40

I know a Kerryn and think it's a lovely name ☺️

How is that pronounced?

Unwaxedlemons · 22/11/2022 18:46

Kari?

Sorry for your loss

SingingSands · 22/11/2022 18:40

I know a Kerryn and think it's a lovely name ☺️

Spanielsarepainless · 22/11/2022 18:29

Karina? But I would go with Karen. The moronic associations will die away.

TheBirdintheCave · 22/11/2022 18:24

Ren is better than Wren to honour a Karen I think. It's a Japanese name meaning 'lotus'. No extra 'W' necessary :)

Spidey66 · 22/11/2022 18:18

I actually like the name Karen, I'm a 60s baby so was around a few, and was jealous of them.

fairycupcakes · 22/11/2022 18:15

Oh I’m so very sorry for your loss @StarsieZ 💐

I think your suggestion of Wren is beautiful x

Ancfib · 24/09/2022 15:03

I also know someone call Karin?

Ancfib · 24/09/2022 15:03

I love Wren! I love think it's a really sweet nod to your mum x

schoolsoutforever · 22/09/2022 21:00

Kari is a nice alternative. I work with a Kari who really suits the name.

Original poster
StarsieZ · 21/09/2022 22:45

Petcourgette · 21/09/2022 20:15

In hebrew it means Ray, like a sun Ray which is nice. Maybe Rae?

Oh I never knew that 😊

OP posts:
Petcourgette · 21/09/2022 20:15

In hebrew it means Ray, like a sun Ray which is nice. Maybe Rae?

J0y · 21/09/2022 20:08

I think Karen is Danish for Katherine?

babyjellyfish · 21/09/2022 13:39

Although it appears Karen is derived from Katherine and has the same meaning - I didn't know this until now - so Katherine could work too.

Katherine June?

babyjellyfish · 21/09/2022 13:37

Honestly I would just use the name Karen, maybe not as a first name but as a middle name for sure. It's actually a nice name and by the time your baby is older everyone will have forgotten the Karen meme.

Otherwise, how about Karine?

BlueKaftan · 19/09/2022 04:25

Karina?

EatAllDay · 19/09/2022 04:22

I am so sorry for your loss 😞

Carrie / Karrie / Kari
Carys : very cute .. or Cerys
Katie / Kate / Katelyn
Kerry

all beautiful

BloodyCamping · 19/09/2022 04:15

Karen means pure, so does Katherine

carrie

BloodyCamping · 19/09/2022 04:07

Wren

BloodyCamping · 19/09/2022 04:05

Cara

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