What does Katharina mean and where does it come from?
Katharina is a variant of Catherine, derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterine' (Αικατερίνη), which means pure. The name has been popular in various cultures, particularly in Greece and Germany. Notable figures include Katharina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, and various saints named Catherine t
Cultural significance
Katharina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #815 in 1881 — currently #9290 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Katharina?
Katharina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Katharina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Katharina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Katharina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Katharina Claire
French influence · crisp
Katharina Jane
Literary · strong
Katharina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Katharina right now?
Falling — down 3197 spots — currently #9290 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9290 | 11 | ▼ down 3197 · -45% births |
| 2022 | #6093 | 20 | ▼ down 34 |
| 2021 | #6059 | 20 | ▼ down 242 |
| 2020 | #5817 | 20 | ▼ down 1237 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #4580 | 30 | ▲ up 842 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #5422 | 25 | ▼ down 1687 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #3735 | 39 | ▼ down 276 · +3% births |
| 2000 | #3459 | 38 | ▼ down 668 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #2791 | 43 | ▲ up 292 · +19% births |
| 1990 | #3083 | 36 | ▼ down 217 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #2866 | 32 | ▲ up 755 · +45% births |
| 1980 | #3621 | 22 | ▲ up 540 · +47% births |
| 1975 | #4161 | 15 | ▼ down 1043 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #3118 | 21 | ▼ down 505 · -5% births |
| 1965 | #2613 | 22 | — |
The story of Katharina
Katharina has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 2,030 total births recorded, Katharina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #882 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9290 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Katharina in 1881:
Katharina by decade
Katharina peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 52 | |
| 1890s | 40 | |
| 1900s | 25 | |
| 1910s | 45 | |
| 1920s | 30 | |
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 11 | |
| 1950s | 127 | |
| 1960s | 228 | |
| 1970s | 157 | |
| 1980s | 269 | |
| 1990s ★ | 450 | |
| 2000s | 350 | |
| 2010s | 214 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎With 2,030 total births, Katharina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Katharina?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
What names sound and feel like Katharina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Katharina also consider these
How is Katharina written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Katharina?
Common questions about the name Katharina
What does the name Katharina mean?
Katharina means "Greek" — 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 Katharina?
Katharina 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 Katharina?
Katharina 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.
How do you pronounce the name Katharina?
Katharina is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE2 TH EH0 R 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 Katharina?
Katharina 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.