What does Kateri mean and where does it come from?
Kateri is the Mohawk form of the name Catherine, meaning 'pure'. In the context of Native American history, it is notably associated with Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint canonized by the Catholic Church. The name is celebrated particularly among Indigenous communities and ha
Cultural significance
Kateri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Canada-speaking communities, where it reflects values of native american (mohawk).
Peak popularity
Reached #1728 in 1980 — currently #4406 in the US.
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Related Reading
Canada-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kateri?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kateri?
Kateri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kateri Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kateri Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kateri Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kateri Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kateri Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kateri Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kateri right now?
Falling — down 546 spots — currently #4406 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4406 | 32 | ▼ down 546 · -18% births |
| 2024 | #3860 | 39 | ▼ down 124 · -5% births |
| 2023 | #3736 | 41 | ▼ down 60 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #3676 | 42 | ▼ down 100 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #3576 | 43 | ▲ up 862 · +43% births |
| 2020 | #4438 | 30 | ▼ down 1044 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #3394 | 47 | ▲ up 1488 · +62% births |
| 2010 | #4882 | 29 | ▼ down 1559 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #3323 | 46 | ▼ down 605 · -15% births |
| 2000 | #2718 | 54 | ▼ down 84 · +15% births |
| 1995 | #2634 | 47 | ▲ up 226 · +18% births |
| 1990 | #2860 | 40 | ▼ down 596 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #2264 | 45 | ▼ down 536 · -31% births |
| 1980 | #1728 | 65 | ▲ up 1378 · +183% births |
| 1975 | #3106 | 23 | — |
The story of Kateri
Kateri entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. With 2,334 total births recorded, Kateri remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5817 in 1950 to #3736 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kateri in 1980:
Kateri by decade
Kateri peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 11 | |
| 1950s | 87 | |
| 1960s | 180 | |
| 1970s | 202 | |
| 1980s | 442 | |
| 1990s | 457 | |
| 2000s | 426 | |
| 2010s ★ | 494 | |
| 2020s | 101 | |
💎With 2,334 total births, Kateri is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kateri?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
What names sound and feel like Kateri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kateri also consider these
How is Kateri written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kateri?
Common questions about the name Kateri
What does the name Kateri mean?
Kateri means "Native American (Mohawk)" — a name rooted in Canada 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 Kateri?
Kateri is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kateri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kateri?
Kateri originates from Canada tradition. Canada 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 Kateri?
Kateri is a three-syllable name pronounced KAH-TER-ee. 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 Kateri?
Kateri pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Canada heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.