Catherine
Catherine is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Pure”, pronounced KATH-rin. It ranked #314 in the United States in 2025, given to 972 babies, and peaked at #18 in 1914. Common nicknames: Cathy, Kate, Katie.
How popular is Catherine in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Catherine mean, and where does it come from?
Catherine derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated but has long been associated with "katharos," meaning "pure." The name carries deep royal history, borne by numerous English and Russian monarchs, and remains prominent today through Catherine, Princess of Wales. Its many spellings and international variants make it one of the most enduringly popular girls' names across Western culture.
How is Catherine used around the world?
Catherine is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 47+ international variants.
Male FormCatherin
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Catherine?
Famous People Named Catherine
- Catherine, Princess of Wales — British royal
- Catherine the Great — Empress of Russia
- Catherine Zeta-Jones — Welsh actress
Similar Names to Catherine
If you like Catherine, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Catherine
Looking for names that pair well with Catherine? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Catherine mean?
Catherine is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Pure." Catherine derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated but has long been associated with "katharos," meaning "pure." The name carries deep royal history, borne by numerous English and Russian monarchs, and remains prominent today through Catherine, Princess of Wales.
How do you pronounce Catherine?
Catherine is pronounced KATH-rin. Common variations include Katherine, Kathryn, Katharina.
Is Catherine a girl name?
Yes, Catherine is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Cathy, Kate, Katie, Cat.