Karina

Karina is an elaboration of Karin. Karin, in turn, is the Swedish and Norwegian equivalent of Katherine (similar to the Danish Karen). Katherine is the English form of the more typically French name Catherine, which was borne by a popular Christian saint martyred in Alexandria, Egypt in the 4th century, and a favorite in medieval times when the popularity of the name grew. The etymology of Katherine is debated, but it is possible she shares her roots with the name Hecate, Greek goddess of the wilderness, childbirth, and crossroads. The 4th-Century Saint Catherine of Alexandria, nicknamed 'the pure one,' was a Christian martyr tortured on the wheel for upholding her religious beliefs. The 'h' in the English form was introduced in the 16th century, a folk etymology that dates from Roman times when the name was associated with the Greek ‘katharos’' meaning 'pure.' Our modern use of the Greek-derived “catharsis,” (to purge or cleanse), also lends to C/Katherine's association with ideas of purity and innocence. Karina is also considered a short form of Katarina and Katrina. Karin and Karina are popular names in many of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Holland), Slavic nations (Russia, Poland, Slovenia) and also in Greece and Germany.