Caryn

Caryn is a feminine given name used primarily in English-speaking countries. It is commonly considered a variant spelling of Karen, which itself derives from Katharine, from the Greek name Aikaterine. The spelling Caryn, with a Y, reflects a modern naming trend toward phonetically distinctive forms and is one of several variants that gained usage in the 20th century alongside Karen, Karin, and Cary.

Notable people: The most widely known bearer is Caryn Johnson, who later adopted the stage name Whoopi Goldberg; born in 1955 in New York City, she is an American actor, comedian, and television host who rose to fame in the 1980s and has won major film, television, and stage awards.

Usage and reception: Caryn has been used in the United States and other English-speaking countries but has not consistently ranked among the top names; it remains a recognized though relatively uncommon choice for girls.

Variations and cognates: Related given names include Karen, Karin, Carin, Cary, and Catherine variants. See also similar-sounding names and spelling variants.