"pure"
Origin: Greek
Language: Portuguese
Catarina
Does Catarina flow with your last name?
A luminous Iberian classic meaning pure
Portuguese
Italian
Spanish
Catalan
Elegant
Classic
Royal
Sophisticated
Traditional
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"pure, unsullied"
Origin: Greek katharos
Language: Greek
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The Story of Catarina
Catarina is the Portuguese and Italian form of Catherine, which traces back to the Greek Aikaterine, the name of the famous martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The meaning is generally given as pure, derived by folk etymology from the Greek katharos meaning pure. The name spread throughout Europe via the veneration of Saint Catherine and royal figures including Catherine of Aragon and Catherine the Great.
Catarina is steadily popular in Portugal and Brazil, and in Italian-speaking regions. Among English-speaking families with Portuguese or Italian heritage, it offers a melodious alternative to Katherine or Katarina.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity, patron of scholars, philosophers, and students. In Portugal and Brazil, Catarina is a timeless classic associated with elegance and tradition.
Historical Record
Catarina first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,049 babies have been named Catarina in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Catarina is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,899 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of unmarried girls and scholars in the Catholic tradition
- Catherine the Great of Russia, the most powerful woman of the 18th century, was born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst but took the name Ekaterina upon converting to Russian Orthodoxy
- Catarina is one of the most popular girls' names in Portugal and Brazil
Catarina in Other Languages
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
English
Catherine
Russian
Екатерина (Ekaterina)
Spanish
Catalina
Popularity Over Time
#1,899
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Catarina
C
Catarina Furtado
Entertainer
1972
Portuguese television presenter, actress and UN Population Fund goodwill ambassador
C
Catarina of Austria
Royalty
1507
Queen consort of Portugal, daughter of Philip I of Castile and granddaughter of Ferdinand and Isabella
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Compare Catarina with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,899
- Total SSA Count
- 105
- Cultural Origins
- Portuguese Italian Spanish Catalan
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cata
Tarina
Rina
Cat
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 4-2 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
-
Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 4-2 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Catarina
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Catarina
What does the name Catarina mean?
"pure" (from Greek). "pure, unsullied" (from Greek katharos). Catarina is the Portuguese and Italian form of Catherine, which traces back to the Greek Aikaterine, the name of the famous martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The meaning is generally given as pure, derived by folk etymology from the Greek katharos meaning pure. The name spread throughout Europe via the veneration of Saint Catherine and royal figures including Catherine of Aragon and Catherine the Great.
What is the origin of the name Catarina?
Catarina has Greek, Greek katharos, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Catalan origins. In Greek, it means "pure". In Greek katharos, it means "pure, unsullied".
Is Catarina a boy or girl name?
Catarina is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Catarina?
Catarina is currently ranked #1899 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Catarina?
Common nicknames for Catarina include Cata, Tarina, Rina, and Cat.
What are good middle names for Catarina?
Popular middle name pairings include Catarina Sofia, Catarina Maria, Catarina Luz, Catarina Isabel, Catarina Elena, Catarina Clara, and Catarina Beatriz.
What are good sibling names for Catarina?
Names that pair well with Catarina as siblings include Mateo, Rafael, Valentina, Lucia, Sebastian, and Isabella.
How many syllables does Catarina have?
Catarina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Catarina a common or rare name?
Catarina is an uncommon name, ranked #1899 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Catarina?
About the Name Catarina
Catarina is a girl name with Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Catalan origins . The name means "pure" in Greek .
Catarina is currently ranked #1,899 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Catarina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Catarina include Cata, Tarina, Rina, and Cat. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Catarina include Catalina, Cataleya, 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