"pure, clear"
Origin: Greek katharos
Language: English
Kathryn
Pronunciation: [ k-ATHR-ihn ]
Does Kathryn flow with your last name?
A royal classic meaning pure — timeless for two millennia
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Meaning & Origin
"torture (early Greek form Aikaterine)"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Kathryn
Kathryn is a variant spelling of Katherine/Catherine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The names association with Greek katharos (pure, clean) became the dominant folk etymology, though its exact ancient origin remains debated. It has been one of the most enduring names in Western history, borne by saints, queens, and scholars across two millennia.
The Katherine/Kathryn family of names has maintained extraordinary staying power. The Kathryn spelling has been popular in America since the early 20th century, offering a distinctive alternative to Katherine while retaining the same pronunciation and rich heritage.
Queens named Catherine/Katherine have ruled England, Russia, France, and Aragon — few names carry more royal pedigree. Saint Catherine of Alexandria (patron of scholars and philosophers) made this name sacred across Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Historical Record
Kathryn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 307,585 babies have been named Kathryn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kathryn is past its peak , currently ranked #716 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Eight saints are named Catherine/Katherine in the Catholic Church
- Queen Catherine of Aragon, Catherine the Great, and Catherine Middleton all share this name
- The -yn spelling variant became popular in America after the 1920s
Kathryn in Other Languages
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Italian
Caterina
Russian
Екатерина (Yekaterina)
Spanish
Catalina
Popularity Over Time
#716
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kathryn
K
Kathryn Hahn
Actor
1973
American actress celebrated for comedic and dramatic roles in WandaVision, Bad Moms, and Parks and Recreation
K
Kathryn Bigelow
Other
1951
American film director who became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker
K
Kathryn Janeway Fictional
Other
First female starship captain lead in Star Trek: Voyager, a groundbreaking fictional role model
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Compare Kathryn with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #716
- Total SSA Count
- 391
- Cultural Origins
- English American Irish Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kate
Kathy
Kat
Kay
Kath
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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 2-1 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kathryn
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kathryn is also used as a boy name, ranked #19926.
View Kathryn as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kathryn
What does the name Kathryn mean?
"pure, clear" (from Greek katharos). "torture (early Greek form Aikaterine)" (from Greek). Kathryn is a variant spelling of Katherine/Catherine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The names association with Greek katharos (pure, clean) became the dominant folk etymology, though its exact ancient origin remains debated. It has been one of the most enduring names in Western history, borne by saints, queens, and scholars across two millennia.
What is the origin of the name Kathryn?
Kathryn has Greek katharos, Greek, English, American, Irish, and Scottish origins. In Greek katharos, it means "pure, clear". In Greek, it means "torture (early Greek form Aikaterine)".
Is Kathryn a boy or girl name?
Kathryn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #716. As a boy name, it is ranked #19926. Kathryn is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kathryn?
Kathryn is pronounced k-ATHR-ihn.
How popular is the name Kathryn?
Kathryn is currently ranked #716 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kathryn?
Common nicknames for Kathryn include Kate, Kathy, Kat, Kay, and Kath.
What are good middle names for Kathryn?
Popular middle name pairings include Kathryn Anne, Kathryn Elizabeth, Kathryn Marie, Kathryn Louise, Kathryn Grace, Kathryn Jane, and Kathryn Rose.
What are good sibling names for Kathryn?
Names that pair well with Kathryn as siblings include Margaret, Elizabeth, William, Thomas, Eleanor, James, and Caroline.
How many syllables does Kathryn have?
Kathryn has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kathryn a common or rare name?
Kathryn is moderately common, ranked #716 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Kathryn?
About the Name Kathryn
Kathryn is a girl name with English, American, Irish, and Scottish origins . The name means "pure, clear" in Greek katharos .
Is Kathryn a boy or girl name? Kathryn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #716 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,926. Kathryn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kathryn is currently ranked #716 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kathryn has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-ATHR-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kathryn include Kate, Kathy, Kat, Kay, and Kath. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kathryn include Katherine, Kathleen, Kathy, Kathlyn, Katheryn . 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