What does Catalina mean and where does it come from?
Catalina is a variant of the name Catherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη). The name has been popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Italy and is often associated with purity. It was commonly used in the Middle Ages, especially among royalty and saints. Famous bearers
Cultural significance
Catalina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #178 in 2020 — currently #147 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Catalina?
Catalina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Catalina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Catalina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Catalina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Catalina Claire
French influence · crisp
Catalina Jane
Literary · strong
Catalina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Catalina right now?
Holding steady — currently #147 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #147 | 1,933 | ▲ up 2 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #149 | 1,952 | ▲ up 16 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #165 | 1,744 | ▲ up 13 · +10% births |
| 2020 | #178 | 1,584 | ▲ up 147 · +58% births |
| 2015 | #325 | 1,001 | ▲ up 361 · +140% births |
| 2010 | #686 | 417 | ▼ down 27 · -1% births |
| 2005 | #659 | 420 | ▲ up 102 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #761 | 300 | ▲ up 182 · +50% births |
| 1995 | #943 | 200 | ▲ up 3 |
| 1990 | #946 | 200 | ▲ up 313 · +85% births |
| 1985 | #1259 | 108 | ▼ down 174 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #1085 | 130 | ▼ down 23 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #1062 | 111 | ▲ up 189 · +25% births |
| 1970 | #1251 | 89 | ▼ down 101 · +3% births |
| 1965 | #1150 | 86 | — |
The story of Catalina
Catalina has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. A total of 22,656 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1740 in 1895 to #147 in 2023. Catalina is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Catalina in 2020:
Catalina by decade
Catalina peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 26 | |
| 1900s | 73 | |
| 1910s | 278 | |
| 1920s | 817 | |
| 1930s | 616 | |
| 1940s | 421 | |
| 1950s | 539 | |
| 1960s | 677 | |
| 1970s | 999 | |
| 1980s | 1,303 | |
| 1990s | 2,240 | |
| 2000s | 3,739 | |
| 2010s ★ | 9,344 | |
| 2020s | 1,584 | |
What are good nicknames for Catalina?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
Famous people named Catalina
C(
Catalina (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Catalina bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
C(
Catalina (Spanish saint)
Catalina helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
C(
Catalina (Flamenco artist)
Catalina carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
C(
Catalina (Latin American historical figure)
Catalina used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Catalina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Catalina also consider these
How is Catalina written in other languages?
Gender variants of Catalina
Common questions about the name Catalina
What does the name Catalina mean?
Catalina means "pure" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Catalina?
Catalina is currently ranked #147 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Catalina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Catalina?
Catalina originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Catalina?
Catalina is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE2 T AH0 L IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Catalina?
Catalina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.