What does Kathrin mean and where does it come from?
Kathrin is a German variation of Katherine, derived from the Greek 'Aikaterine' which means 'pure.' The name has been used throughout history, with many variations in different cultures, making it quite popular in a variety of forms. It has been famously borne by several historical figures, includin
Cultural significance
Kathrin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #2004 in 1952 — currently #16438 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kathrin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kathrin?
Kathrin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kathrin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kathrin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kathrin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kathrin Claire
French influence · crisp
Kathrin Jane
Literary · strong
Kathrin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kathrin right now?
Falling — down 1360 spots — currently #16438 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #16438 | 5 | ▼ down 1360 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #15078 | 6 | ▼ down 3161 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #11917 | 8 | ▼ down 5066 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #6851 | 15 | ▼ down 1122 · -6% births |
| 1995 | #5729 | 16 | ▼ down 2636 · -56% births |
| 1990 | #3093 | 36 | ▲ up 917 · +80% births |
| 1985 | #4010 | 20 | ▼ down 377 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #3633 | 22 | ▲ up 31 · +22% births |
| 1975 | #3664 | 18 | ▼ down 530 · -14% births |
| 1970 | #3134 | 21 | ▼ down 360 · +5% births |
| 1965 | #2774 | 20 | ▼ down 92 · -5% births |
| 1960 | #2682 | 21 | ▼ down 4 · +17% births |
| 1955 | #2678 | 18 | ▲ up 644 · +64% births |
| 1950 | #3322 | 11 | ▼ down 781 · -15% births |
| 1945 | #2541 | 13 | — |
The story of Kathrin
Kathrin entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 1,207 total births recorded, Kathrin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3712 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16438 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Kathrin in 1952:
Kathrin by decade
Kathrin peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 25 | |
| 1920s | 27 | |
| 1930s | 18 | |
| 1940s | 80 | |
| 1950s | 184 | |
| 1960s | 164 | |
| 1970s | 175 | |
| 1980s | 201 | |
| 1990s ★ | 206 | |
| 2000s | 105 | |
| 2010s | 22 | |
💎With 1,207 total births, Kathrin is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kathrin?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
Famous people named Kathrin
K(
Kathrin (Scandinavian royal)
Kathrin held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
K(
Kathrin (medieval German ruler)
Kathrin bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
K(
Kathrin (Norse explorer)
Kathrin carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
K(
Kathrin (German philosopher)
Kathrin used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kathrin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kathrin also consider these
How is Kathrin written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kathrin?
Common questions about the name Kathrin
What does the name Kathrin mean?
Kathrin means "pure" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Kathrin?
Kathrin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kathrin?
Kathrin originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Kathrin?
Kathrin is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE1 T EY1 CH AA1 R IH0 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 Kathrin?
Kathrin pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.