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Katherine

♀ Girl

Pronounced KATH-er-in /ˈkæθ.ər.ɪn/High

Meaning: Pure — from Greek <em>Aikaterinē</em>, later associated with Greek <em>katharos</em> (pure, clean)Medium

In 30 seconds: One of the most enduring names in Western history, Katherine means 'pure' — borne by saints, empresses, queens of England, and queens of the sciences alike.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningPure — from Greek <em>Aikaterinē</em>, later associated with Greek <em>katharos</em> (pure, clean)
Peak year1990
Total births (all-time)≈ 635,010

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199018802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Katherine (and its many spellings — Catherine, Kathryn, etc.) derives ultimately from the Greek Aikaterinē. The early association with Saint Catherine of Alexandria (martyred c. 305) spread the name throughout Christendom. The popular etymology links it to Greek katharos (pure), though the actual pre-Christian origin of Aikaterinē is uncertain.

Katherine has been one of the most consistently popular girls' names in the English-speaking world for nearly a thousand years. In the United States it has been in the top 100 girls' names for most of the 20th and 21st centuries. It offers a dignified, versatile classic with a rich array of nicknames.

Did you know? Among the wives of Henry VIII, two were named Catherine: Catherine of Aragon (his first) and Catherine Howard (his fifth) — and Catherine Parr (his sixth) outlived him. No other given name has so dominated a royal court.

Variations

CatherineKathrynKatharineKaterina

Nicknames

KateKatieKatKathyKitKitty

Famous Bearers

  • ★Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536)
    First wife of King Henry VIII of England and Queen of England.
  • ★Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)
    NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to early U.S. human spaceflight; subject of the film Hidden Figures.

If you like Katherine…

Elizabeth— another royal English classic with the same deep historical pedigree
Eleanor— medieval royal name sharing Katherine's timeless elegance
Margaret— classic royal name with the same centuries-long steady popularity
Caroline— romantic royal name with the same European grandeur and nickname range

Frequently Asked

What does the name Katherine mean?

Katherine is associated with Greek <em>katharos</em> meaning 'pure' or 'clean,' though its pre-Christian origin is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Katherine?

Katherine is pronounced KATH-er-in /ˈkæθ.ər.ɪn/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Katherine a boy or girl name?

Katherine is a girls' name.

How popular is Katherine?

Katherine has been in the U.S. top 100 girls' names for most of the 20th and 21st centuries.