Catharine
“pure”
Greece origin · Girl name
#12417US 2024
7Births / yr
↑Rising
13kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak
How to pronounce Catharine
kath-ə-rin,kath-rin
/kath-ə-rin,kath-rin/ · · 4 syllables
“pure”
Greece origin · Girl name
What does Catharine mean and where does it come from?
The name Catharine is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine (Αικατερίνη). It has been widely used in various forms throughout Europe and has many variants including Katherine and Catherine. The name became popular in England by the 12th century and has been borne by notable figures such as Catherin
Cultural significance
Catharine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #251 in 1883 — currently #12417 in the US.
How popular is Catharine right now?
Rising fast — up 3228 spots — currently #12417 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Catharine
Catharine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 12,966 babies have received this name. Once ranked #296 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15645 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Catharine in 1883:
Catharine by decade
Catharine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 478 | |
| 1890s | 801 | |
| 1900s | 1,117 | |
| 1910s ★ | 2,086 | |
| 1920s | 1,643 | |
| 1930s | 844 | |
| 1940s | 1,012 | |
| 1950s | 1,386 | |
| 1960s | 1,074 | |
| 1970s | 777 | |
| 1980s | 705 | |
| 1990s | 550 | |
| 2000s | 336 | |
| 2010s | 147 | |
| 2020s | 17 |
What are good nicknames for Catharine?
BULGARIAN
Katerina
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
CZECH
Katka
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
How is Catharine written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Catharine?
Common questions about the name Catharine
What does the name Catharine mean?
Catharine means "pure" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Catharine?
Catharine is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Catharine?
Catharine originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Catharine?
Catharine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Catharine a common or rare name?
Catharine is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.