Kathryn is the slightly more modern, and shortened, version of the baby name Katherine. The name originates from Greek traditions, but it spent many years on the top 100 list even in the twentieth century. Currently, however, Kathryn is not even a top 500 name.
Meaning and Origin of the name Kathryn:
Kathryn is an English girl's name of Greek origin meaning “pure.”
The baby name Kathryn is a form of the original spelling, Katherine. Katherine is a form of the Greek Aikaterine. Most believe that this original name is from the goddess Hecate, but with the creation of the Christian church, the origin was founded more so on the Greek word katheros, which means “pure.”
Symbolism of the name Kathryn:
According to the Christian church, the baby name Kathryn comes from the Greek word katheros, which means “pure.” Originally, the name created was Katerina, which eventually changed to Katherine, and now Kathryn. Kathryn is someone who is pure of heart and innocent.
Nicknames for the name Kathryn:
Kathryn is a fun spelling of the traditional Katherine. Kathryn is an elegant and sophisticated name. There are several cute nickname options to pair with Kathryn. We put those nicknames in the list below to help you in choosing the best one for your daughter.
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Style of the name Kathryn:
Traditional
Gender of the name Kathryn:
Kathryn is a regal name with a feminine feel.
Pronunciation of the name Kathryn:
KATH-rin or KATH-e-rin
Number of syllables in the name Kathryn:
Two or three depending on pronunciation
Emotion evoked from the name Kathryn:
Kathryn feels more modern than Katherine, but it still has a regal feel. It feels innocent and noble.
Alternative spellings for the name Kathryn:
Popularity of the name Kathryn:
The baby name Kathryn has always been one of the most popular spellings of this name with multiple options. It was on the top 100 list from 1900 to 1928, from 1941 to 1967, and from 1974 to 2001. The name has become significantly less popular in recent years, ranking at number 536 in 2020.
Related names for the name Kathryn:
Great middle names for Kathryn and their meanings:
- Eleanore (sun ray)
- Josephine (Yahweh shall grow)
- Rose (rose, a flower)
- Julie (youthful, beautiful, vivacious)
- Anne (God has favored me)
- Elizabeth (God is my oath)
- Michelle (close to God)
- Alice (noble, exalted)
Famous people with the name Kathryn:
- Kathryn Hahn (actress, “Bad Moms”)
- Kathryn Bigelow (film director, “The Hurt Locker”)
- Kathryn Stockett (novelist, “The Help”)
- Kathryn Joosten (actress, “Desperate Housewives”)
- Kathryn McCormick (professional dancer)
- Kathryn Scott (worship singer)
Kathryns in popular culture:
- Kathryn Janeway (character from “Star Trek: Voyager”)
- Kathryn Kennish (character from “Switched at Birth”)
- Kathryn Merteuil (character from “Cruel Intentions”)
- Kathryn Munson (character from “X-Men”)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©My Good Images/Shutterstock.com.