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Ekaterini

♀ Girl

Pronounced eh-kah-teh-REE-nee /ɛ.kɑː.tɛˈriː.ni/Low

Meaning: Ekaterini is the modern Greek form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine. Long linked by folk etymology to katharos, 'pure,' the name honors Saint Catherine of Alexandria and remains one of the most traditional women's names in Greece.Low

In 30 seconds: Ekaterini is the Greek form of Katherine, understood as 'pure.' Carried to the US by Greek families, it is said eh-kah-teh-REE-nee.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningEkaterini is the modern Greek form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine. Long linked by folk etymology to katharos, 'pure,' the name honors Saint Catherine of Alexandria and remains one of the most traditional women's names in Greece.

U.S. rank (2008)#12945 ↗ Rising

2008 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1978

Total births (all-time)≈ 201

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

Ekaterini is the stately Greek original behind the English Katherine, going back to Aikaterine and long associated with katharos, 'pure.' Saint Catherine of Alexandria made the name beloved across the Christian world, and in Greece Ekaterini has stayed a classic.

In the United States it was never common, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak around 1978 and appearing chiefly among Greek American families. In Greece, by contrast, it has been a mainstream favorite for generations.

Did you know? Women named Ekaterini in the United States are largely of Greek heritage, the name reflecting families who kept the full Greek form of Katherine rather than an Anglicized version.

Overall data confidence 45%

References - Ekaterini — Greek form of Katherine ('pure'); St. Catherine; heritage accurate.

Variations

KaterinaKatherineAikaterini

Nicknames

KatinaRini

Famous Bearers

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If you like Ekaterini…

Katerina— a like Greek/Slavic form of the name

Katherine— the English form of the same name

Catherine— a similar classic form

Ekaterina— the Slavic parallel form

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ekaterini mean?

It is the modern Greek form of Katherine, from Aikaterine and traditionally linked to katharos, 'pure.'

How do you pronounce Ekaterini?

It is said eh-kah-teh-REE-nee /ɛ.kɑː.tɛˈriː.ni/ - five syllables.

Is Ekaterini a boy or girl name?

Ekaterini is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Ekaterini?

It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year around its peak in the late nineteen-seventies, though it is a classic in Greece.