The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its annual figures on the most popular baby names this week, which detailed a declining number of infants called Karen in England and Wales.
In a downward trend, which mimics the increasing use of Karen memes online, the ONS data shows that in 2018, just 21 Karens were born.
It’s a rapid decline from the 1990s, with 76 Karens born in 1996, decreasing to 43 ten years in 2006.
Researchers suggest that the impact of popular culture on “the baby name landscape” is profound.
It’s clear that the popularity of memes which paint Karens as an archetype of a problematic white woman have changed the associations of what was once ‘an easy name’.
Increasingly in recent years, Karens have been maligned on social media, with posts connecting the name to white privilege and negated responsibility.
The moniker is bestowed upon those who refuse to wear masks during the pandemic, call their manager to intervene and put people of colour in dangerous or unjust situations.
While it’s unclear exactly what the origins are for the negative use of the name, many point to a stand-up from 2005 by American comedian Dane Cook, in which he says: "Every group has a Karen, and she is always a bag of douche”.
Domino's pizza in New Zealand recently had to withdraw a promotional offer after it promised free pizza for all women called Karen.
The pizza brand was accused of being tone-deaf by many social media users who said “Karen negativity” was an issue that affected mostly “privileged white women”.
Karen isn’t the only name to spiral in popularity due to negative connotations. Due to Prince Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, the popularity of his name has also declined.
While 284 babies were named Andrew in 2018, 222 were recorded last year.
On the rise, are names including Kylo and Dua, while Oliver and Olivia maintain their places at the top of the lists.
