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Katniss
Pronounced KAT-nis /ˈkæt.nɪs/High
Meaning: The name of the heroine Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games novels; also a real edible aquatic plant, katniss (Sagittaria, arrowhead). A pop-culture-and-nature name.Low
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
Katniss took off from the Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen; the author drew it from a real aquatic plant, katniss (Sagittaria, arrowhead). It reads bold and modern, with both pop-culture and nature roots — rare in the U.S. (said 'KAT-nis').
It appears only recently and rarely in U.S. data. Rare, bold, and pop-culture-rooted.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Katniss mean?
Katniss is the Hunger Games heroine's name and also a real edible aquatic plant (Sagittaria, arrowhead).
How do you pronounce Katniss?
It's said KAT-nis /ˈkæt.nɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Katniss a boy or girl name?
Katniss is a girl's name.
How popular is Katniss?
Katniss is a rare, recent name in the U.S.