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Original poster

Variation of Karen for a boy

269 replies

colourPink · 24/08/2023 20:17

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and my mum died unexpectedly 4 weeks ago. Her name was Karen and me and husband would LOVE to honour her as our babies middle name but he's a boy.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can make a more masculine version of Karen?

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KirstenBlest · 25/08/2023 11:43

Kenar

MissSingerbrains · 26/08/2023 13:16

Renny

UrsulaBelle · 26/08/2023 13:31

Maybe Kay as in the knight from Arthurian legend?

NameChange30 · 26/08/2023 13:32

Sorry for your loss Flowers

Is there another way you could honour your mother without using her actual name? For example, if her place of birth works as a name? Something linked to her birth month? (August is the only month that could work as a boy's name, though!) Is there anything else that you strongly associate with your mum, anything that was particularly meaningful to her?

NameChange30 · 26/08/2023 13:33

Also, if you would be willing to share her middle and maiden names, perhaps people might have suggestions for a boy's name that contains her initials or bits of one or more of the names.

Ghosttofu99 · 26/08/2023 13:37

CheshireCat1 · 24/08/2023 20:24

Karen comes from Katherine, so the male version is Kit.

Kit is absolutely adorable. Love it!

And sorry for your loss, that must be incredibly hard especially at this time.

Manthide · 26/08/2023 13:38

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 24/08/2023 22:54

My daughter has my fathers name as her middle name, regardless of it being a masculine name.
Could you use Karen/Karan as a middle name?

My name is Karen and I'm not sure I'd saddle a child with it nowadays even as a middle name. I think Wren or Ren or even Karan would still give a nod towards your mum. I'm sorry for your loss.

FrazzledMCPremenopausalWoman · 26/08/2023 13:40

I love Corin / Korin/ Koren

Keeks08 · 26/08/2023 13:41

Could you use her surname if it sounds more masculine? Married or maiden? Sure she would love the sentiment x

Kelljo83 · 26/08/2023 13:57

I actually work with a man called Karen. He's from New Zealand where the name is unisex. I'd be inclined to do Karin though

Elly46 · 26/08/2023 13:57

Kaden is nice for a boy, just one letter difference.
I am very sorry for your loss.

Mustardseed86 · 26/08/2023 14:05

Cary maybe?

sweetdreamstenasee · 26/08/2023 14:10

Carmen / Karmen

Ariela · 26/08/2023 14:12

Our friend's farrier is called Karn, which is 1 letter short, completely different meaning, but could perhaps work? .

BabyTa · 26/08/2023 14:19

Karin

PassTheGinHere · 26/08/2023 14:23

My son's best friend is called Kaden.
Only one letter different!

DottyLottieLou · 26/08/2023 14:28

Maiden name?
Caren
Garen
In some countries Karen is a male name, also the above derivatives.
It is common to use the maiden name though.

AmazingSnakeHead · 26/08/2023 14:36

Not exactly the same, but sounds similar: Cillian (which is also my absolute favourite name, so I'm biased!).

I also think Kit is cute and a good alternative, or Kiran.

ConcernedCatmother · 26/08/2023 14:36

colourPink · 24/08/2023 20:17

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and my mum died unexpectedly 4 weeks ago. Her name was Karen and me and husband would LOVE to honour her as our babies middle name but he's a boy.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can make a more masculine version of Karen?

What about Aren?

KirstenBlest · 26/08/2023 14:56

A literary one: Karenin
(husband of Anna Karenina, for anyone who's not into long russian novels)

ididntwanttodoit · 26/08/2023 15:04

I second the anagram idea - Kearn is rather nice!

Jessbow · 26/08/2023 17:27

Kare? ( Cah- ee)
Anagram is a good idea though I like Kearn. or Krane?

inonan · 26/08/2023 17:31

KirstenBlest · 24/08/2023 20:42

I've thought of one.
Karen -> Katherine -> Kitty -> Kit -> Christopher

Definitely bit of a reach

Ollybob · 26/08/2023 17:34

I know a Kamren and a Kamran both boys, maybe as a middle name though? He may not like being named after Karen.
Is there someone she really liked or admired such as an family member/friend/celebrity?