What does Katharine mean and where does it come from?
Katharine is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is linked to the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' The name has been borne by many saints and royals throughout history, leading to various spellings, including Catherine and Katerina. Famous individuals with this name include Katharine
Cultural significance
Katharine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #172 in 1880 — currently #4935 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Katharine right now?
Falling — down 107 spots — currently #4935 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4935 | 27 | ▼ down 107 · -4% births |
| 2024 | #4828 | 28 | ▼ down 4269 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #559 | 1,641 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #564 | 1,621 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #569 | 1,591 | ▲ up 2906 · +3600% births |
| 2020 | #3475 | 43 | ▼ down 1342 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #2133 | 89 | ▼ down 468 · -30% births |
| 2010 | #1665 | 127 | ▼ down 823 · -58% births |
| 2005 | #842 | 301 | ▼ down 175 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #667 | 362 | ▼ down 147 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #520 | 465 | ▼ down 119 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #401 | 647 | ▼ down 109 · -23% births |
| 1985 | #292 | 841 | ▲ up 106 · +47% births |
| 1980 | #398 | 571 | ▲ up 118 · +66% births |
| 1975 | #516 | 345 | — |
The story of Katharine
Katharine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 41,077 babies have received this name. Once ranked #172 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #559 in 2023. Katharine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Katharine in 1880:
Katharine by decade
Katharine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 896 | |
| 1890s | 1,297 | |
| 1900s | 1,246 | |
| 1910s | 2,854 | |
| 1920s | 2,572 | |
| 1930s | 1,724 | |
| 1940s | 2,789 | |
| 1950s | 3,709 | |
| 1960s | 3,114 | |
| 1970s | 3,848 | |
| 1980s ★ | 7,876 | |
| 1990s | 5,315 | |
| 2000s | 2,881 | |
| 2010s | 913 | |
| 2020s | 98 | |
What are good nicknames for Katharine?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
How is Katharine written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Katharine?
Common questions about the name Katharine
What does the name Katharine mean?
Katharine 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 Katharine?
Katharine is currently ranked #559 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Katharine?
Katharine 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 Katharine?
Katharine 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 Katharine more of a girl or boy name?
Katharine is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.