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Katherine Girl

Popularity: #170 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKATH-er-in / /ˈkæθ.ər.ɪn/

Greek; Latin; Old French

Meaning

Greek: pure; Latin: innocent; Old French: chaste

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Katherine has its roots in the Greek name Aikaterine, which is believed to derive from the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' This etymological connection highlights the name's association with purity and clarity. The name was adopted into Latin as Catharina, which was then transmitted into Old French as Catherine before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. The transition into English was facilitated by the popularity of various saints and historical figures bearing the name, particularly Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, who became a prominent figure in Christian hagiography.

Throughout history, the name Katherine has been borne by numerous royal figures and influential women. One notable example is Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England, whose marriage and subsequent annulment played a significant role in the English Reformation during the 16th century. Additionally, Catherine de' Medici, the Italian noblewoman who became Queen of France in the 16th century, further solidified the name's association with power and influence in European history. The name has also appeared in various literary works, including Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" and Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," which contributed to its cultural resonance.

The name Katherine has been associated with various symbolic meanings, including strength and resilience, often linked to the historical figures who have borne it. The name has numerous diminutive forms, such as Kate and Katie, which have been used affectionately throughout history. The enduring nature of Katherine can be attributed to its rich historical background, its connection to significant cultural and religious figures, and its adaptability across different languages and cultures. This multifaceted legacy has ensured that Katherine remains a name of considerable historical and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

Katherine has consistently been a popular name in the United States, often ranking within the top 100 names for girls.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Catherine
  • Kathryn
  • Kathy
  • Kate

International Variants

  • Catarina (Portuguese)
  • Caterina (Italian)
  • Ekaterina (Russian)
  • Katarina (Swedish)

Famous people named Katherine

Katherine Hepburn is an actress best known for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The African Queen, and On Golden Pond.

Katherine Johnson is a mathematician best known for her work at NASA and contributions to the space race.

Katherine Langford is an actress best known for 13 Reasons Why, Love, Simon, and Knives Out.

Katherine Jenkins is a singer best known for her classical crossover albums and performances.

Katherine McNamara is an actress best known for Shadowhunters, Arrow, and The Stand.

Katherine Waterston is an actress best known for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Inherent Vice, and Alien: Covenant.

Katherine Ryan is a comedian and television presenter best known for her stand-up specials and appearances on British television.

Katherine Heigl is an actress best known for Grey's Anatomy, Knocked Up, and 27 Dresses.

Katherine Kelly is an actress best known for Coronation Street, Mr Selfridge, and The Night Manager.

Katherine Moennig is an actress best known for The L Word, Ray Donovan, and The Lincoln Lawyer.

Fictional characters named Katherine

Katherine Minola is a fictional character from the play The Taming of the Shrew. She is the headstrong and outspoken daughter of Baptista who undergoes a transformation in her views on marriage and submission.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Katherine was first seen in the United States in 1880. Katherine has ranked as high as #66 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Katherine has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Katherine (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 241
14%
CA 209
12%
FL 100
6%
NY 91
5%
GA 71
4%
NC 66
4%
IL 63
4%
VA 59
4%
TN 55
3%
AL 45
3%
OH 42
3%
MA 39
2%
IN 38
2%
PA 36
2%
NJ 36
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880502
1881504
1882591
1883583
1884671
1885751
1886744
1887794
1888893
1889889
1890900
1891803
1892961
1893963
1894948
1895968
18961,047
1897962
1898914
1899942
19001,201
1901890
19021,004
19031,015
19041,128
19051,190
19061,277
19071,413
19081,430
19091,557
19101,752
19111,858
19122,546
19132,794
19143,652
19154,488
19164,801
19174,956
19185,191
19194,846
19205,276
19215,156
19224,827
19234,579
19244,695
19254,240
19263,834
19273,724
19283,398
19293,016
19303,033
19312,624
19322,588
19332,330
19342,388
19352,340
19362,355
19372,484
19382,575
19392,476
19402,709
19413,004
19423,376
19433,616
19443,525
19453,392
19464,196
19474,885
19485,169
19496,039
19506,205
19516,930
19526,891
19536,559
19546,740
19557,240
19567,081
19576,637
19586,433
19596,138
19605,876
19615,632
19625,271
19635,125
19645,073
19654,706
19664,492
19674,561
19684,715
19695,167
19705,443
19715,122
19724,511
19734,419
19744,532
19754,852
19765,053
19776,030
19786,625
19797,465
19808,018
19818,433
19829,180
19839,683
198410,156
198510,129
198610,570
198710,438
198811,154
198911,415
199011,627
199111,495
199211,149
199310,506
19949,586
19958,987
19968,878
19978,517
19988,205
19997,935
20008,109
20017,880
20027,212
20037,126
20046,742
20056,392
20066,295
20075,818
20085,350
20094,431
20103,869
20114,189
20123,953
20133,723
20143,689
20153,454
20163,275
20172,861
20182,676
20192,450
20201,991
20211,819
20221,738
20231,703
20241,740