"pure, clean"
Origin: Greek 'katharos'
Language: Greek
Katharine
Pronunciation: [ k-ATHR-ihn ]
Does Katharine flow with your last name?
The name of queens and icons — pure and timeless
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Nicknames
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5 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"each of the two (disputed origin)"
Origin: Pre-Greek Aikaterine
Language: Greek
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The Story of Katharine
Katharine traces to the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' of uncertain ultimate origin — possibly from 'katharos' (pure, clean). The name was popularized by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 3rd-century Christian martyr renowned for her learning and courage. The 'K' spelling is the German and Central European variant, giving it a slightly more continental air than the common English 'Catherine.'
Katharine with a K is the prestige spelling, most famously associated with Katharine Hepburn, one of Hollywood's greatest actresses. The name has remained steadily popular for centuries because of its impressive roster of queens, saints, and cultural icons. Its nickname versatility — Kate, Kat, Kit, Kathy — ensures it works at every stage of life.
Catherine/Katharine has been the name of queens across Europe: Catherine of Aragon, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Catherine de' Medici among them. Saint Catherine of Siena is one of only two women named Doctors of the Catholic Church. The name carries centuries of association with intelligence, strength, and nobility.
Historical Record
Katharine first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 27,826 babies have been named Katharine in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Katharine is past its peak , currently ranked #4,801 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- There have been at least 6 queens of England named Katherine or Catherine
- Katharine Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress — more than any other performer
- Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai, named for this saint, is one of the world's oldest working Christian monasteries
Katharine in Other Languages
Greek
Αικατερίνη (Aikaterini)
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Italian
Caterina
Russian
Екатерина (Yekaterina)
Spanish
Catalina
Popularity Over Time
#4,801
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1982
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Katharine
K
Katharine Hepburn
Actor
1907
Four-time Academy Award-winning actress, iconic Hollywood star known for fierce independence and groundbreaking roles
C
Catherine of Aragon
Royalty
First wife of King Henry VIII and Queen of England, known for her steadfast dignity and Catholic faith
K
Kate (Taming of the Shrew) Fictional
Other
Katherine 'Kate' Minola, the spirited protagonist of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,801
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- English Greek French German Russian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kate
Kathy
Kat
Kit
Kay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Katharine
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Katharine is also used as a boy name, ranked #40643.
View Katharine as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Katharine
What does the name Katharine mean?
"pure, clean" (from Greek 'katharos'). "each of the two (disputed origin)" (from Pre-Greek Aikaterine). Katharine traces to the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' of uncertain ultimate origin — possibly from 'katharos' (pure, clean). The name was popularized by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 3rd-century Christian martyr renowned for her learning and courage. The 'K' spelling is the German and Central European variant, giving it a slightly more continental air than the common English 'Catherine.'
What is the origin of the name Katharine?
Katharine has Greek 'katharos', Pre-Greek Aikaterine, English, Greek, French, German, and Russian origins. In Greek 'katharos', it means "pure, clean". In Pre-Greek Aikaterine, it means "each of the two (disputed origin)".
Is Katharine a boy or girl name?
Katharine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4801. As a boy name, it is ranked #40643. Katharine is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Katharine?
Katharine is pronounced k-ATHR-ihn.
How popular is the name Katharine?
Katharine is currently ranked #4801 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Katharine?
Common nicknames for Katharine include Kate, Kathy, Kat, Kit, and Kay.
What are good middle names for Katharine?
Popular middle name pairings include Katharine Rose, Katharine Anne, Katharine Jane, Katharine Grace, Katharine Elizabeth, Katharine Louise, and Katharine May.
What are good sibling names for Katharine?
Names that pair well with Katharine as siblings include Eleanor, Margaret, William, Henry, Charlotte, Edward, and Cecily.
How many syllables does Katharine have?
Katharine has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Katharine a common or rare name?
Katharine is an uncommon name, ranked #4801 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Katharine?
About the Name Katharine
Katharine is a girl name with English, Greek, French, German, and Russian origins . The name means "pure, clean" in Greek 'katharos' .
Is Katharine a boy or girl name? Katharine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,801 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,643. Katharine is more commonly used as a girl name.
Katharine is currently ranked #4,801 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Katharine has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-ATHR-ihn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Katharine include Kate, Kathy, Kat, Kit, and Kay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Katharine include Katherine, Kathryn, Kathleen, Kathy, Kathlyn . 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