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Kathryn

♀ Girl

Pronounced KATH-rin /ˈkæθ.rɪn/High

Meaning: English spelling variant of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη), possibly from the Greek katharos meaning 'pure' or 'clean'; the exact origin is disputed but the pure meaning became associated with the name through Saint Catherine of AlexandriaHigh

In 30 seconds: Kathryn is the classic American spelling of Katherine, meaning 'pure.' Timeless, elegant, and endlessly versatile, it has been a top name for centuries and remains a sophisticated choice that wears well from childhood through adulthood.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningEnglish spelling variant of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη), possibly from the Greek katharos meaning 'pure' or 'clean'; the exact origin is disputed but the pure meaning became associated with the name through Saint Catherine of Alexandria
U.S. rank (2025)#729 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births381 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1952
Total births (all-time)≈ 455,417

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195218802025

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

History & Origin

Kathryn is a variant spelling of Katherine, derived from Greek Aikaterine. The name became hugely popular through Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr known for her purity and wisdom. It spread throughout Europe via the Crusades and royal connections.

Kathryn has been one of the top American girls names for most of the 20th century. The -yn ending is an Americanized spelling that emerged in the early 20th century. It remains among the most consistently used names in the United States across generations.

Did you know? The Katherine/Kathryn spelling has been borne by six of Henry VIII's wives (four named Catherine or Katherine variants), three Queens of England, two empresses of Russia, and a pope's patroness — making it one of the most consistently powerful women's names in Western history.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Kathryn — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KatherineCatherineKatharineKatarina

Nicknames

KathyKateKatKayKitty

Famous Bearers

  • ★Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003)
    Legendary American actress and four-time Academy Award winner.
  • ★Kathryn Bigelow (1951–present)
    American director, the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director.

If you like Kathryn…

Katherine— the standard spelling sharing identical meaning, pronunciation, and long history
Catherine— the French/English alternate spelling of the same name with the same elegant heritage
Carolyn— shares the -lyn ending and the same mid-century American classic feminine feel
Madelyn— parallel classic American girls name with a -lyn spelling in the same traditional family

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kathryn mean?

Kathryn means 'pure' from Greek katharos. It is an American spelling of Katherine, popularized through Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

How do you pronounce Kathryn?

Kathryn is pronounced KATH-rin /ˈkæθ.rɪn/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

How is Kathryn different from Katherine?

Kathryn and Katherine are pronounced identically. Kathryn is an Americanized -yn spelling that emerged in the early 20th century.

Is Kathryn still a popular name?

Kathryn has been consistently popular in the U.S. for over a century and remains a top choice valued for its timeless elegance.