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Catherine Girl

Popularity: #298 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKATH-ryn / /ˈkæθ.ə.rɪn/

Greek; Latin; French

Meaning

Greek: pure; Latin: innocent; French: clear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Catherine has its roots in the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' which is believed to derive from the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' This etymology suggests a connection to purity and cleanliness. The name was adopted into Latin as 'Catherina' and subsequently made its way into Old French as 'Catherine,' before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. The transition into English was facilitated by the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which brought many French names into the English lexicon.

Catherine has been borne by several notable historical figures, contributing to its prominence. One of the earliest saints associated with the name is Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, who became a popular figure in medieval hagiography. Her story was widely disseminated through various texts, including the Golden Legend in the 13th century, which helped solidify the name's association with virtue and martyrdom. Additionally, Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century saint and Doctor of the Church, further enhanced the name's religious significance, particularly within the Catholic tradition.

The name Catherine has also been linked to royalty and nobility, with numerous queens and princesses bearing the name throughout European history. For instance, Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII of England, and Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, are prominent figures who have left a lasting legacy. The name has also inspired various cultural works, including literature and art, often symbolizing grace and strength.

Catherine has several diminutive forms, such as Kate and Cathy, which have been used historically, reflecting the name's adaptability and enduring appeal. The name's associations with purity, nobility, and religious significance have contributed to its lasting resonance across cultures and eras.

Trend Summary

Catherine has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, remaining a classic choice for many parents.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Katherine
  • Kathryn
  • Catriona

International Variants

  • Caterina (Italian)
  • Katarina (Slavic)
  • Ekaterina (Russian)
  • Catriona (Scottish)

Famous people named Catherine

Catherine Zeta-Jones is an actress best known for Chicago, Traffic, and The Mask of Zorro.

Catherine Deneuve is an actress best known for Belle de Jour, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and Indochine.

Catherine O'Hara is an actress and comedian best known for Schitt's Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice.

Catherine Tate is an actress and comedian best known for The Catherine Tate Show, Doctor Who, and Nativity!

Catherine Bell is an actress best known for JAG, Army Wives, and The Good Witch.

Catherine Keener is an actress best known for Being John Malkovich, Capote, and Get Out.

Catherine McCormack is an actress best known for Braveheart, 28 Days Later, and The Truth About Charlie.

Catherine Hardwicke is a director and producer best known for Twilight, Thirteen, and Red Riding Hood.

Catherine Reitman is an actress and producer best known for Workin' Moms, Blackish, and The Reitman Show.

Fictional characters named Catherine

Catherine Earnshaw is a fictional character from the novel Wuthering Heights. She is the passionate and headstrong love interest of Heathcliff, whose tumultuous relationship drives much of the story's conflict.

Catherine de Braganza is a fictional character from the historical drama series The Spanish Princess. She is the strong-willed and politically savvy daughter of the King of Spain, navigating the complexities of royal marriage and power.

Catherine 'Cat' Chandler is a fictional character from the TV series Beauty and the Beast. She is a detective who becomes involved with a genetically enhanced man, balancing her career and their complicated relationship.

Catherine Morland is a fictional character from the novel Northanger Abbey. She is an imaginative young woman whose experiences in Bath and at Northanger Abbey shape her understanding of love and reality.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Catherine was first seen in the United States in 1880. Catherine has ranked as high as #63 nationally, which occurred in 1956, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Catherine has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Catherine (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 129
14%
CA 103
11%
NY 51
6%
NC 50
6%
FL 45
5%
PA 32
4%
VA 31
3%
GA 30
3%
TN 28
3%
AL 27
3%
SC 27
3%
OH 25
3%
IL 24
3%
LA 23
3%
IN 21
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880688
1881635
1882726
1883853
1884874
1885846
1886916
1887967
18881,212
18891,198
18901,232
18911,219
18921,333
18931,336
18941,430
18951,514
18961,594
18971,511
18981,705
18991,628
19002,081
19011,599
19021,896
19031,916
19041,983
19052,198
19062,230
19072,457
19082,750
19092,897
19103,161
19113,565
19124,666
19135,302
19146,613
19158,181
19168,469
19178,689
19188,842
19198,335
19208,878
19218,887
19228,537
19238,437
19248,363
19257,867
19267,469
19277,256
19286,910
19296,277
19306,298
19315,642
19325,448
19334,908
19344,934
19354,698
19364,537
19374,459
19384,525
19394,577
19404,584
19414,884
19425,267
19435,427
19445,256
19455,031
19466,367
19477,889
19488,244
19499,137
19509,655
195110,566
195211,053
195310,848
195411,080
195511,636
195612,057
195711,150
195810,770
195910,022
19609,537
19619,250
19628,697
19638,294
19648,237
19657,243
19666,961
19676,345
19686,130
19696,093
19706,006
19715,336
19724,685
19734,262
19744,183
19753,935
19763,779
19773,841
19783,959
19793,878
19804,080
19814,056
19824,098
19834,251
19844,240
19854,297
19864,242
19874,108
19884,504
19894,559
19904,893
19914,814
19924,536
19934,475
19944,102
19953,860
19963,739
19973,591
19983,348
19993,401
20003,802
20013,731
20023,292
20033,231
20043,181
20052,985
20062,793
20072,472
20082,323
20091,891
20101,612
20111,937
20121,913
20131,868
20141,944
20151,807
20161,668
20171,584
20181,506
20191,312
20201,155
20211,004
2022981
2023933
2024955