Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Carina

Carina is a name with a couple possible etymologies. Most commonly, however, the name is associated with the starry constellation located in the Southern Hemisphere known as Carina. In this case, the word “carina” comes from the Latin meaning “keel” (as in the keel of a ship). Originally Carina had been one part of a much larger constellation catalogued by the Greco-Roman astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Ptolemy named it “Argo Navis” (Latin: Argo ship) in reference to the ship sailed by Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. However, Argo Navis was split into three separate smaller constellations in the 18th century now known as “Carina” (the keel of the ship), “Puppis” (the poop deck) and “Vela” (the ship’s sails). Not only is Carina quite visible by the naked eye, but it also contains the second brightest star in the sky (Canopus). Aside from Carina’s connection to a notable constellation, the name is also considered a German elaboration of Cara (from Latin meaning “beloved”) or a variant spelling of Karina, from Karin, which is a Scandinavian pet form of Katherine. Today the name Carina is most popular in Austria and Germany.

All About the Baby Name – Carina

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CARINA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CARINA

Carina would not claim a position on America’s Top 1000 list of female names until 1976 and, after 35 years of low to moderate usage, the name recently dropped off that list in 2011. In other words, Carina is a rarely used name by today’s standards. Her best years came in the mid-1990s but still Carina never reached higher than position #383 out of 1000 (never a crowd pleaser). We like Carina, though, especially because of the bright constellation in the southern sky. We love her etymological connection to the “keel” of a ship – after all, the keel is what provides the ship’s stability and prevents it from capsizing. There’s something very balancing about this name. It’s both feminine and strong.

Quick Facts

ON CARINA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

kə-REEN-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Keel

Characteristics

OF CARINA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Carina

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CARINA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Carina

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CARINA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Carina


Popular Songs

ON CARINA

Carina
a song by James Hunter

Famous People

NAMED CARINA

Carina Lau (Chinese actress)
Carina Round (British musician)
Carina Benninga (Dutch Olympian)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CARINA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Carina

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CARINA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Carina