What Does The Name Karen Mean? Memes, Viral Videos May Be Causing It To Go 'Extinct'

Throughout 2020, the name Karen has remained in the news due to the fact that it has evolved into a representational stand-in of a certain type of person in recent years. Since it began being used on a wide scale, a range of viral videos and Karen memes have emerged that have solidified the name to mean something that it previously did not. So, what does the name currently mean by definition and how exactly does the public recognize it now?

According to Insider, Matt Schimkowitz, a senior editor at Know Your Meme, stated that it's "usually used as a pejorative for middle-aged white women" when they are acting "like they have an entitlement, where they're kind of lording their privilege over another."

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As for how the Karen meme originated, Schimkowitz states that it is "really hard to pin down" when exactly its popularity grew. However, he notes that the most "convincing" theory is that the idea came from Dane Cook's 2005 comedy routine. In it, the "Good Luck Chuck" actor discusses his belief that every friend group "has a Karen" that nobody likes.

Additionally, another pop culture reference revolving around the name Karen could have played a role in the widespread use of the term. In 2004's "Mean Girls," the line, "Oh my god, Karen, you can't just ask people why they're white," has since been used as a meme. However, the term wouldn't begin gaining its current level of popularity until 2017. At that time, a subreddit was created that went on to gain over 600,000 members.

As a result of the negative connotation, along with viral videos such as "Officer Karen" and "Central Park Karen," many parents are staying away from the name and it is quickly becoming "extinct," says TMZ. Even though the name was originally a Danish form of the name Katherine that meant pure, those behind the website Babynames.com told the publication that none of their users have added Karen to their favorite name lists over the course of the past year. This follows a 75% decrease in popularity over the past decade.

However, states the site, searches for the meaning behind the name have increased, even though it seems likely that the name will continue to diminish in pervasiveness outside of the internet.