What does Katherina mean and where does it come from?
Katherina is a variant of Katherine, which has Greek origins. The name has been widely used in various cultures and languages. It denotes purity and has transformed through history with many regional adaptations. Notable figures include Katherina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, and Princess Kat
Cultural significance
Katherina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #1081 in 1892 — currently #6059 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Katherina?
Katherina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Katherina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Katherina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Katherina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Katherina Claire
French influence · crisp
Katherina Jane
Literary · strong
Katherina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Katherina right now?
Rising fast — up 780 spots — currently #6059 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6059 | 20 | ▲ up 780 · +18% births |
| 2022 | #6839 | 17 | ▼ down 992 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #5847 | 21 | ▲ up 734 · +24% births |
| 2020 | #6581 | 17 | ▼ down 344 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #6237 | 20 | ▲ up 2039 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #8276 | 14 | ▼ down 1736 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #6540 | 18 | ▼ down 1738 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #4802 | 24 | ▼ down 820 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #3982 | 26 | ▼ down 895 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #3087 | 36 | ▲ up 1791 · +140% births |
| 1985 | #4878 | 15 | ▼ down 337 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #4541 | 16 | ▼ down 890 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #3651 | 18 | ▼ down 183 |
| 1970 | #3468 | 18 | ▼ down 774 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #2694 | 21 | — |
The story of Katherina
Katherina has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 1,591 total births recorded, Katherina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1484 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6059 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Katherina in 1892:
Katherina by decade
Katherina peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 50 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 47 | |
| 1920s | 45 | |
| 1930s | 22 | |
| 1940s | 27 | |
| 1950s | 123 | |
| 1960s | 234 | |
| 1970s | 186 | |
| 1980s | 200 | |
| 1990s ★ | 309 | |
| 2000s | 174 | |
| 2010s | 147 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎With 1,591 total births, Katherina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Katherina?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
What names sound and feel like Katherina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Katherina also consider these
How is Katherina written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Katherina?
Common questions about the name Katherina
What does the name Katherina mean?
Katherina 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 Katherina?
Katherina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Katherina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Katherina?
Katherina 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 Katherina?
Katherina is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH ER0 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 Katherina?
Katherina 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.