Catherine
Pure — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Catherine
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.
Catherine 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.
Nicknames for Catherine
Famous People Named Catherine
- Catherine, Princess of Wales — British royal
- Catherine the Great — Empress of Russia
- Catherine Zeta-Jones — Welsh actress
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Sibling Name Ideas for Catherine
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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.
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