"pure"
Origin: Greek
Language: Spanish
Catalina
Pronunciation: [ k-at-uhl-EEN-uh ]
Does Catalina flow with your last name?
A sun-drenched Spanish classic meaning pure
Spanish
Latin American
Italian
Elegant
Sophisticated
Bold
Earthy
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Catalina
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"pure, unsullied"
Origin: Latin via Greek
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Catalina Wine Mixer — reference from the movie Step Brothers (2008), minor pop culture meme
The Story of Catalina
Catalina is the Spanish and Catalan form of Katherine, which traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly derived from 'katharos' meaning pure. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr of the 4th century whose veneration spread the name across Europe. Catalina became especially prominent in Spain and Latin America.
Catalina has been growing steadily in the US as Hispanic names gain broader appeal. Its melodic four syllables and connection to Santa Catalina Island off the California coast give it a romantic, sun-drenched quality that resonates with modern parents.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, Catalina has deep historical roots — most famously through Catherine of Aragon, known in Spanish as Catalina de Aragón, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. The name also refers to a picturesque island off Los Angeles.
Historical Record
Catalina first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 28,310 babies have been named Catalina in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Catalina is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #128 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Santa Catalina Island off California was named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria
- Catherine of Aragon was known as Catalina in her native Spain
Catalina in Other Languages
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
English
Katherine/Catherine
Italian
Caterina
Portuguese
Catarina
Popularity Over Time
#128
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Catalina
C
Catalina Ponor
Athlete
1987
Romanian gymnast and three-time Olympic gold medalist
C
Catalina Sandino Moreno
Actor
1981
Colombian actress nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Maria Full of Grace
C
Catalina de Erauso
Military
1592
Spanish-Basque soldier known as 'the Lieutenant Nun' who disguised herself as a man and fought in South America
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #128
- Total SSA Count
- 2,216
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Cat
Cata
Lina
Cati
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Catalina
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Catalina is also used as a boy name, ranked #14526.
View Catalina as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Catalina
What does the name Catalina mean?
"pure" (from Greek). "pure, unsullied" (from Latin via Greek). Catalina is the Spanish and Catalan form of Katherine, which traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly derived from 'katharos' meaning pure. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr of the 4th century whose veneration spread the name across Europe. Catalina became especially prominent in Spain and Latin America.
What is the origin of the name Catalina?
Catalina has Greek, Latin via Greek, Spanish, Latin American, and Italian origins. In Greek, it means "pure". In Latin via Greek, it means "pure, unsullied".
Is Catalina a boy or girl name?
Catalina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #128. As a boy name, it is ranked #14526. Catalina is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Catalina?
Catalina is pronounced k-at-uhl-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Catalina?
Catalina is currently ranked #128 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Catalina?
Common nicknames for Catalina include Cat, Cata, Lina, and Cati.
What are good middle names for Catalina?
Popular middle name pairings include Catalina Rose, Catalina Marie, Catalina Grace, Catalina Sofia, Catalina Isabel, Catalina Elena, and Catalina Luz.
What are good sibling names for Catalina?
Names that pair well with Catalina as siblings include Isabella, Sofia, Valentina, Mateo, Diego, and Sebastian.
How many syllables does Catalina have?
Catalina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Catalina a common or rare name?
Catalina is a popular name, ranked #128 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Catalina?
About the Name Catalina
Catalina is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, and Italian origins . The name means "pure" in Greek .
Is Catalina a boy or girl name? Catalina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #128 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,526. Catalina is more commonly used as a girl name.
Catalina is currently ranked #128 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Catalina has 4 syllables and is pronounced k-at-uhl-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Catalina include Cat, Cata, Lina, and Cati. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Catalina include Cataleya, Catarina, Catalaya . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis