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Kateri

♀ Girl

Kateri Pronunciation

Kateri is pronounced KAH-tə-ree /ˈkɑ.tə.ri/Medium

Meaning: Mohawk form of Catherine — Greek katharos, 'pure' — borne by St. Kateri TekakwithaHigh

In 30 seconds: Pure, and sacred to two worlds: Kateri is the Mohawk Catherine — 'pure' — borne by St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. Devout and distinctive.

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Origin HighMohawk, Greek

MeaningMohawk form of Catherine — Greek katharos, 'pure' — borne by St. Kateri Tekakwitha

U.S. rank (2024)#3993 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births37 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1980

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,498

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kateri is the Mohawk rendering of Catherine — Greek katharos, 'pure'. It is forever linked to St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680), canonized in 2012 as the first Native American saint.

It appears in Catholic and Indigenous families. Rare, pure at the root, and saintly.

Did you know? St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the 'Lily of the Mohawks', became the first Indigenous North American saint in 2012 — making this Catherine-form a name of deep reverence.

Overall data confidence 85%

References — St. Kateri Tekakwitha — name history

Variations

CatherineKatharineCaterina

Nicknames

KatTeri

Famous Bearers

★St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680)
First Native American Catholic saint.

If you like Kateri…

Catherine— the name it renders

Katarina— a fellow Catherine form

Katie— a companion Cath- pet name

Cora— another devout vintage pick

→ See all names like Kateri

Browse the whole category: All Mohawk names → · All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Kateri?

Kateri is pronounced KAH-tə-ree (/ˈkɑ.tə.ri/). Press play above to hear Kateri said aloud.

How do you say Kateri?

Kateri is said KAH-tə-ree (/ˈkɑ.tə.ri/). Press play above to hear Kateri said aloud.

What does the name Kateri mean?

Kateri is the Mohawk form of Catherine, Greek for 'pure'.

Is Kateri a boy or girl name?

Kateri is a girl's name.

How popular is Kateri?

Kateri is a rare name in the U.S.