Alma vs Catherine

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alma

Girl #472 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"nourishing, kind"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Latin Spanish English Hebrew

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#472
Total SSA Count
653
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Allie, Al

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Alma →

Popularity Comparison

Alma Rank #472
Catherine Rank #320

Catherine is more popular, ranked #320 vs #472 for Alma.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alma ___

  • Alma Rose
  • Alma Jean
  • Alma Mae
  • Alma Claire
  • Alma Louise
  • Alma Frances

Catherine ___

  • Catherine Elizabeth
  • Catherine Anne
  • Catherine Rose
  • Catherine Grace
  • Catherine Louise
  • Catherine Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alma

Cora Vera Flora Hazel Nora

If you choose Catherine

Elizabeth Margaret Charlotte Eleanor William

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alma or Catherine more popular?

Catherine is more popular, ranked #320 compared to Alma at #472 in the United States.

What do Alma and Catherine mean?

Alma means "nourishing, kind" (Latin origin).

Are Alma and Catherine boy or girl names?

Alma is primarily a girl name. Catherine is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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← Full profile: Alma ← Full profile: Catherine Browse all baby names