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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kathrin

Kathrin

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Kathrin

Pronounced KATH-rin /ˈkæθrɪn/Medium

Meaning: Kathrin is a variant of Katherine, a Greek name traditionally linked to 'katharos', 'pure' (though its true root is debated). Without the middle 'e', Kathrin is also a standard German spelling; the inherited meaning is that of Katherine.Medium

In 30 seconds: Kathrin is a streamlined spelling of Katherine — the ancient classic traditionally read 'pure', and also a German form. Its faint peak came around 1990 (said 'KATH-rin').
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Origin MediumGreek, German
MeaningKathrin is a variant of Katherine, a Greek name traditionally linked to 'katharos', 'pure' (though its true root is debated). Without the middle 'e', Kathrin is also a standard German spelling; the inherited meaning is that of Katherine.
U.S. rank (2021)#16438 ↘ Falling
2021 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1990
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,214

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199019142021

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

Kathrin drops the middle e of Katherine, one of the great classic names, borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria and long read as 'pure' from Greek katharos, a meaning scholars treat as medieval rather than certain. The spelling is also a standard German form of the name, so it carries either a sleek-modern or a European-heritage flavor.

This spelling is a rarity in the U.S., its slight high point falling around 1990 rather than the vintage era — only a few dozen girls a year. It rides on Katherine's timeless appeal while looking distinctly pared-down; Katherine, Kathryn, and Catherine remain the familiar forms.

Did you know? The exact same spelling, Kathrin, is a mainstream given name in German-speaking countries — so in America it can signal either a trimmed Katherine or a heritage form.
Overall data confidence 68%
Behind the Name — Katherine — Greek, traditionally 'pure'; Kathrin a variant/German form

Variations

KatherineKathrynKatrin

Nicknames

KathyKateKatie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kathrin Zettel (1986–present)
    Austrian former World Cup alpine ski racer.

If you like Kathrin…

Kathryn— the common American spelling of the same name
Katrina— a Katherine-family name with a similar sound
Kathleen— a familiar Katherine relative of the Kath- family
Katharine— the classic full spelling behind Kathrin

Explore names like Kathrin

By themeclassicvariantgerman

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kathrin mean?

Kathrin is a variant of Katherine, a Greek name traditionally read as 'pure', and a standard German form.

How do you pronounce Kathrin?

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

Is Kathrin a boy or girl name?

Kathrin is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Kathrin?

Kathrin is rare in the U.S.; Katherine and Kathryn are far more common.

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