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Cathryn

♀ Girl

Pronounced KATH-rin /ˈkæθ.rɪn/High

Meaning: A spelling of Catherine — from Greek Aikaterine, long linked to katharos, 'pure'Low

In 30 seconds: Pure: Cathryn spells Catherine — 'pure'. Crisp, classic, and warm.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningA spelling of Catherine — from Greek Aikaterine, long linked to katharos, 'pure'

U.S. rank (2024)#6659 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1956

Total births (all-time)≈ 16,322

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cathryn is a spelling of Catherine — from the Greek Aikaterine, long associated with katharos, 'pure'. Borne by saints, queens, and empresses. A crisp, classic name (said 'KATH-rin'; nicknames Cathy, Kate).

It registers thinly beside Catherine. Rare in this spelling, pure at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Catherine has long been linked to the Greek katharos, 'pure' — Cathryn is a streamlined spelling, crisp and classic (said 'KATH-rin').

Overall data confidence 58%

Behind the Name — Catherine — root etymology

Variations

CatherineKathrynKatherine

Nicknames

Cathy

Famous Bearers

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If you like Cathryn…

Kathryn— a fellow streamlined spelling

Catherine— the standard spelling

Katherine— a fellow spelling

Kathleen— a sound-neighbor Cath- girls' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cathryn mean?

Cathryn spells Catherine — Greek, long linked to 'pure'.

How do you pronounce Cathryn?

It's said KATH-rin /ˈkæθ.rɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cathryn a boy or girl name?

Cathryn is a girl's name.

How popular is Cathryn?

Cathryn is a rare spelling in the U.S. today.