The name “Karen” has seen a drop in popularity from 2018 to 2019, making the list of the Social Security Administration’s list for baby names that decreased in popularity.
- “Karen” dropped 23 spots on the SSA’s list. In 2018, the name ranked as the 637 most-popular name. Now, it’s 660th. In 2017, the name ranked at 557th.
- This marks the lowest ranking for “Karen” since 1930.
- The name had its peak in 1965, though.
“Karen” has taken on a negative connotation in recent weeks, since it used to describe often-white, middle-aged women who complain or use privilege to their advantage.
The name began to trend more recently due to viral videos, which show these women screaming or complaining about something in grocery stores or Target.
Nameberry co-founder and CEO Pamela Redmond told People magazine she believed “Karen is going to become one of those names that no parent wants to give their child.”
This isn’t surprising. As HuffPost reports, names tied to controversial figures often dip in popularity, “which is why there aren’t many young Adolfs or Katrinas in preschool classes these days.”
However, Cleveland K. Evans, a Bellevue University psychology professor, told The Associated Press that names tied to public figures — whether controversial or not — often increase.