Catherine Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationKATH-rin / /ˈkæθ.ər.ɪn/Greek; Latin; French
Meaning
Greek: pure; Latin: innocent; French: clear
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Catherine has been popular in various cultures, often associated with purity and innocence. It has been borne by several saints, notably Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which contributed to its widespread use in Christian contexts. The name has also been influential in royal families, particularly in France and England. Variants of the name have appeared in literature and art throughout history.
Trend Summary
Catherine has experienced fluctuating popularity in the U.S., remaining a classic choice over the decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Katherine
- Kathryn
- Catarina
International Variants
- Catarina (Portuguese)
- Caterina (Italian)
- Ekaterina (Russian)
Famous people named Catherine
Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia and is known for her significant contributions to the expansion and modernization of the Russian Empire.
Catherine Deneuve is a French actress recognized for her work in films such as 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' and 'Belle de Jour'.
Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh actress known for her roles in 'Chicago' and 'The Mask of Zorro'.
Catherine Middleton, known as Kate, is the Duchess of Cambridge and is recognized for her charitable work and role in the British royal family.
Fictional characters named Catherine
Catherine Earnshaw is a central character in Emily Brontë's novel 'Wuthering Heights', known for her passionate and tumultuous relationship with Heathcliff.
Catherine Morland is the protagonist in Jane Austen's novel 'Northanger Abbey', characterized by her youthful imagination and love for gothic novels.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Catherine was first seen in the United States in 1884. Catherine has ranked as high as #1152 nationally, which occurred in 1989, and has been most popular in New York, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, California, and Kentucky. In the past 5 years the name Catherine has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Catherine (2004)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| KY | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1884 | 7 |
| 1887 | 5 |
| 1888 | 6 |
| 1891 | 6 |
| 1893 | 5 |
| 1898 | 5 |
| 1899 | 5 |
| 1900 | 5 |
| 1901 | 5 |
| 1904 | 9 |
| 1906 | 7 |
| 1907 | 7 |
| 1908 | 10 |
| 1909 | 7 |
| 1910 | 10 |
| 1911 | 11 |
| 1912 | 11 |
| 1913 | 12 |
| 1914 | 20 |
| 1915 | 15 |
| 1916 | 23 |
| 1917 | 16 |
| 1918 | 12 |
| 1919 | 17 |
| 1920 | 19 |
| 1921 | 17 |
| 1922 | 22 |
| 1923 | 22 |
| 1924 | 28 |
| 1925 | 19 |
| 1926 | 29 |
| 1927 | 35 |
| 1928 | 41 |
| 1929 | 23 |
| 1930 | 32 |
| 1931 | 38 |
| 1932 | 29 |
| 1933 | 19 |
| 1934 | 20 |
| 1935 | 18 |
| 1936 | 26 |
| 1937 | 23 |
| 1938 | 20 |
| 1939 | 17 |
| 1940 | 17 |
| 1941 | 18 |
| 1942 | 26 |
| 1943 | 24 |
| 1944 | 16 |
| 1945 | 18 |
| 1946 | 14 |
| 1947 | 13 |
| 1948 | 23 |
| 1949 | 14 |
| 1950 | 18 |
| 1951 | 24 |
| 1952 | 31 |
| 1953 | 17 |
| 1954 | 17 |
| 1955 | 24 |
| 1956 | 19 |
| 1957 | 27 |
| 1958 | 23 |
| 1959 | 20 |
| 1960 | 24 |
| 1961 | 19 |
| 1962 | 20 |
| 1963 | 28 |
| 1964 | 23 |
| 1965 | 27 |
| 1966 | 23 |
| 1967 | 21 |
| 1968 | 16 |
| 1969 | 18 |
| 1970 | 20 |
| 1971 | 16 |
| 1972 | 11 |
| 1973 | 15 |
| 1974 | 19 |
| 1975 | 11 |
| 1976 | 14 |
| 1977 | 21 |
| 1978 | 18 |
| 1979 | 14 |
| 1980 | 16 |
| 1981 | 14 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1983 | 17 |
| 1984 | 19 |
| 1985 | 12 |
| 1986 | 24 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 44 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1995 | 11 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2007 | 5 |