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Katrina

Pronunciation: [ k-uhtr-EEN-uh ]

Girl Name #1,642 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A pure and classic European name

German Scandinavian Eastern European American
Classic Elegant Vintage Sophisticated Strong

Meaning & Origin

"pure"
Origin: Greek katharos via Latin Katharina
Language: German

Things to Know About This Name

  • Strongly associated with Hurricane Katrina (2005), which killed over 1,800 people and devastated New Orleans; this caused a documented drop of over 70% in US usage after 2005

The Story of Katrina

Katrina is a German and Scandinavian diminutive of Katharina, which traces back through Latin to the Greek name Aikaterine — possibly from 'katharos' meaning pure. The name traveled through the Roman Catholic Church via Saint Catherine of Alexandria and became Katharina in German-speaking Europe, spawning Katrina as the beloved shorter form in northern regions.

Katrina was a well-liked name in the United States through the 1980s-1990s. Its use plummeted sharply after August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast — name databases confirm a drop of over 70% in US usage between 2004 and 2006.

In German and Scandinavian countries, Katrina is associated with Saint Katarina of Sweden (1331-1381). In Eastern Europe, the name exists as Kateryna (Ukraine) and Ekaterina (Russia), where it remains highly honored.

Fun Facts

  • Katrina and the Waves won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997 with 'Love Shine a Light'
  • Baby name databases show Katrina usage dropped over 70% in the US from 2004 to 2006 following the hurricane

Katrina in Other Languages

German Katharina
Italian Caterina
Russian Екатерина (Ekaterina)
Swedish Katrina
Ukrainian Катерина (Kateryna)

Famous People Named Katrina

K

Katrina Kaif

Actor

1983

British-Indian Bollywood actress and one of the highest-paid stars in Indian cinema

K

Katrina (Katrina Leskanich)

Musician

1960

American-British singer, lead vocalist of Katrina and the Waves, Eurovision winners in 1997

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#1,642
Total SSA Count
126
Cultural Origins
German Scandinavian Eastern European American
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Common Nicknames

Kat Katy Trina Rina Kati

Pairs Well With

Katrina Marie Katrina Louise Katrina Elizabeth Katrina Grace Katrina Ann Katrina Helene Katrina Sofia

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Katrina is also used as a boy name, ranked #10395.

View Katrina as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Katrina

What does the name Katrina mean?
"pure" (from Greek katharos via Latin Katharina). Katrina is a German and Scandinavian diminutive of Katharina, which traces back through Latin to the Greek name Aikaterine — possibly from 'katharos' meaning pure. The name traveled through the Roman Catholic Church via Saint Catherine of Alexandria and became Katharina in German-speaking Europe, spawning Katrina as the beloved shorter form in northern regions.
What is the origin of the name Katrina?
Katrina has Greek katharos via Latin Katharina, German, Scandinavian, Eastern European, and American origins. In Greek katharos via Latin Katharina, it means "pure".
Is Katrina a boy or girl name?
Katrina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1642. As a boy name, it is ranked #10395. Katrina is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Katrina?
Katrina is pronounced k-uhtr-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Katrina?
Katrina is currently ranked #1642 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Katrina?
Common nicknames for Katrina include Kat, Katy, Trina, Rina, and Kati.
What are good middle names for Katrina?
Popular middle name pairings include Katrina Marie, Katrina Louise, Katrina Elizabeth, Katrina Grace, Katrina Ann, Katrina Helene, and Katrina Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Katrina?
Names that pair well with Katrina as siblings include Ingrid, Hans, Mikhail, Anastasia, Elena, Kristoff, and Sigrid.
How many syllables does Katrina have?
Katrina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Katrina a common or rare name?
Katrina is an uncommon name, ranked #1642 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Katrina

Katrina is a girl name with German, Scandinavian, Eastern European, and American origins . The name means "pure" in Greek katharos via Latin Katharina .

Is Katrina a boy or girl name? Katrina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,642 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,395. Katrina is more commonly used as a girl name.

Katrina is currently ranked #1,642 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Katrina has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-uhtr-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Katrina include Kat, Katy, Trina, Rina, and Kati. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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