What does Catherine mean and where does it come from?
The name Catherine has origins in Greek (from 'katharos' meaning 'pure') and has been widely used in various forms across many cultures. It became prominent in the English-speaking world after being popularized by saints and royals. The most notable historical figure is Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Cultural significance
Catherine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #18 in 1914 — currently #330 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Catherine?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Catherine?
Catherine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Catherine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Catherine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Catherine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Catherine Claire
French influence · crisp
Catherine Jane
Literary · strong
Catherine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Catherine right now?
Holding steady — currently #330 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #330 | 933 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #328 | 981 | ▼ down 5 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #323 | 1,004 | ▼ down 56 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #267 | 1,144 | ▼ down 90 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #177 | 1,802 | ▲ up 16 · +12% births |
| 2010 | #193 | 1,611 | ▼ down 84 · -46% births |
| 2005 | #109 | 2,983 | ▼ down 28 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #81 | 3,801 | ▲ up 9 · -1% births |
| 1995 | #90 | 3,858 | ▼ down 19 · -21% births |
| 1990 | #71 | 4,893 | ▼ down 6 · +14% births |
| 1985 | #65 | 4,291 | ▲ up 12 · +5% births |
| 1980 | #77 | 4,081 | ▼ down 4 · +4% births |
| 1975 | #73 | 3,934 | ▼ down 14 · -34% births |
| 1970 | #59 | 6,006 | ▼ down 2 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #57 | 7,247 | — |
The story of Catherine
Catherine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #18 in 1914. Over 665K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #31 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #330 in 2023. Catherine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Catherine in 1914:
Catherine by decade
Catherine peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 8,933 | |
| 1890s | 14,523 | |
| 1900s | 22,057 | |
| 1910s | 65,969 | |
| 1920s | 79,137 | |
| 1930s | 50,264 | |
| 1940s | 62,263 | |
| 1950s ★ | 109,042 | |
| 1960s | 77,005 | |
| 1970s | 44,021 | |
| 1980s | 42,614 | |
| 1990s | 40,835 | |
| 2000s | 29,721 | |
| 2010s | 17,107 | |
| 2020s | 1,144 | |
What are good nicknames for Catherine?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
What names sound and feel like Catherine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Catherine also consider these
How is Catherine written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Catherine?
Common questions about the name Catherine
What does the name Catherine mean?
Catherine means "pure" — a name rooted in France 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 Catherine?
Catherine is currently ranked #330 in the United States as a baby 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 Catherine?
Catherine originates from France tradition. France 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 Catherine?
Catherine is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH ER0 AH0 N. 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 Catherine?
Catherine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.