What does Katherine mean and where does it come from?
Katherine has been a historically prevalent name across Europe, particularly in England. The name has various spellings and variations, including Catherine and Kathryn. It is associated with several saints, particularly Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Notable bearers include Katherine Hepburn, an ico
Cultural significance
Katherine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #25 in 1991 — currently #170 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Katherine?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Katherine?
Katherine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Katherine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Katherine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Katherine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Katherine Claire
French influence · crisp
Katherine Jane
Literary · strong
Katherine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Katherine right now?
Holding steady — currently #170 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #170 | 1,703 | ▼ down 4 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #166 | 1,738 | ▼ down 9 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #157 | 1,819 | ▼ down 22 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #135 | 1,968 | ▼ down 51 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #84 | 3,445 | ▼ down 14 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #70 | 3,866 | ▼ down 34 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #36 | 6,391 | ▼ down 3 · -21% births |
| 2000 | #33 | 8,108 | ▼ down 3 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #30 | 8,985 | ▼ down 4 · -23% births |
| 1990 | #26 | 11,624 | ▲ up 6 · +15% births |
| 1985 | #32 | 10,127 | ▲ up 3 · +26% births |
| 1980 | #35 | 8,019 | ▲ up 23 · +65% births |
| 1975 | #58 | 4,854 | ▲ up 9 · -11% births |
| 1970 | #67 | 5,442 | ▲ up 12 · +16% births |
| 1965 | #79 | 4,706 | — |
The story of Katherine
Katherine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #25 in 1991. Over 644K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Katherine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Katherine in 1991:
Katherine by decade
Katherine peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6,927 | |
| 1890s | 9,413 | |
| 1900s | 12,139 | |
| 1910s | 36,965 | |
| 1920s | 42,909 | |
| 1930s | 25,329 | |
| 1940s | 40,041 | |
| 1950s | 66,994 | |
| 1960s | 50,777 | |
| 1970s | 54,264 | |
| 1980s ★ | 99,621 | |
| 1990s | 97,037 | |
| 2000s | 65,456 | |
| 2010s | 34,094 | |
| 2020s | 1,968 | |
What are good nicknames for Katherine?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
Famous people named Katherine
K(
Katherine (Byzantine leader)
Katherine used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
K(
Katherine (Greek poet or artist)
Katherine helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
K(
Katherine (modern Greek athlete)
Katherine brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
K(
Katherine (ancient philosopher)
Katherine bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Katherine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Katherine also consider these
How is Katherine written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Katherine?
Common questions about the name Katherine
What does the name Katherine mean?
Katherine means "Pure" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Katherine?
Katherine is currently ranked #170 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 Katherine?
Katherine originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Katherine?
Katherine 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 Katherine?
Katherine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.