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Home › Baby Names Directory › Katharine

Katharine

♀ Girl

Pronounced KATH-ə-rin /ˈkæθ.ə.rɪn/High

Meaning: Spelling of Katherine — from Greek katharos, 'pure' (via St Catherine of Alexandria)High

In 30 seconds: Pure and timeless: Katharine spells Katherine — 'pure'. Elegant, classic, and warm (Katharine Hepburn).
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningSpelling of Katherine — from Greek katharos, 'pure' (via St Catherine of Alexandria)
U.S. rank (2025)#4935 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births27 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1982
Total births (all-time)≈ 41,231

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198218802025

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

Katharine is a spelling of Katherine — from Greek katharos, 'pure' (associated with St Catherine of Alexandria). A timeless, elegant classic (Katharine Hepburn); the -ar- spelling is the traditional 'th' form.

It registers thinly beside Katherine. Rare spelling, pure at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Katherine comes from Greek katharos, 'pure' — Katharine is the elegant -ar- spelling (Katharine Hepburn); a timeless classic of queens and saints.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Katherine — root etymology

Variations

KatherineCatherineKathryn

Nicknames

KateKit

Famous Bearers

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If you like Katharine…

Katherine— the standard spelling
Catherine— the C- spelling
Kathryn— a contracted spelling
Katarina— a Slavic form

Explore names like Katharine

By themegreekclassicvirtue
By meaningPurity

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Katharine mean?

Katharine spells Katherine — Greek 'pure'.

How do you pronounce Katharine?

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

Is Katharine a boy or girl name?

Katharine is a girl's name.

How popular is Katharine?

Katharine is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Katherine is more common.

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