Katherine as a baby name dates back to the fourth century at least in ancient Greece. It was a popular name that some say was associated with classical Greek mythology while others say was most associated with the name Katharos and the Christian church. The name, despite this long history, is still seen in many forms and many spelling variations have originated for it including the popular options Kathryn and Catherine.
Meaning of the name Katherine:
Greek: pure
Origin of the name Katherine:
The baby name Katherine has a diverse origin story. Some say it originated from the Greek name Hekaterine, while others say it is derived from the Greek goddess Hecate. Some even say that it comes from a Greek word that is “aikia” which means “torture.” No matter the origins, the early Christian church spread this name through the Greek name Katharos which means pure. The first individual to spread the name was a saint in the fourth century who was tortured for Christianity and whose story was told by crusaders.
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Symbolism of the name Katherine:
Katherine is one of the oldest baby names in existence as it goes back to ancient Greece in the fourth century. The meaning that is “pure” helps to give this name its sense of regality and purpose. Though the origin is diverse, it is the Christian church with the importance of holiness who helped to spread it.
Style of the name Katherine:
Classical
Gender of the name Katherine:
Katherine is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Katherine:
KATH-e-rin or KATH-rin
Number of syllables in the name Katherine:
two or three depending on pronunciation
Emotion evoked from the name Katherine:
Katherine is a baby name with a lot of maturity and regality. It feels serious, sophisticated, and noble.
Alternative spellings for the name Katherine:
Nicknames for the name Katherine:
Popularity of the name Katherine:
The baby name Katherine was on the top 100 list until the year 2016. It was even on the top 50 list from the years 1977 to 2008. As of 2017, however, the name is on the top 200 list and ranked at number 135 in 2020.
Related names for the name Katherine:
Great middle names for Katherine and their meanings:
- Elizabeth (God is my oath)
- Simone (God has heard)
- Adele (nobility)
- Victoria (victory)
- Amelia (work)
- Ophelia (help)
Famous people with the name Katherine:
- Katherine Couric (professional newscaster)
- Katherine McNamara (actress, “Arrow”)
- Katherine Chopin (novelist, “The Awakening”)
- Katherine Cassidy (actress, “Arrow”)
- Katherine Moennig (actress, “The L Word”)
- Katherine Webb (professional model)
Katherines in popular culture:
- Katherine Beckett (character on “Castle”)
- Katherine Freemont (character in “Exodus”)
- Katherine Solomon (character in “The Lost Symbol”)
- Katherine Forman (character on “That 70's Show”)
- Katherine (character in Shakepeare's “Henry V”)