Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Catalina
GirlSpanish, Greek· “Spanish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”
- Meaning
- Spanish form of Katherine; often linked to pure (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- ka-tuh-LEE-nuh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #111
- US babies 2025
- 2,456
- Best rank
- #111 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Catalina
Catalina is often said to mean “Spanish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Greek roots.
Catalina is the Spanish form of Katherine. The ultimate origin of Katherine is uncertain, but from early times it was linked with the Greek katharos, pure, which shaped the spelling with th in many languages. The name was spread by the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII of England, was born Catalina in Spain. Santa Catalina Island off the California coast adds a sunny, seaside association. Catalina is lively and romantic, and Cat, Cata and Lina are natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Catalina first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 53 different years, starting in 1920. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #111, and its highest count, 2,456 babies. Use has grown 144% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #914 in 1920, #1,413 in 1950, #1,083 in 1980, #763 in 2000, #688 in 2010, and #111 in 2025. Of the 33,009 US girls named Catalina since records began, 36% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 9,369 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Juliette, Alaia, Cecilia, Margot, and Juniper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Catalina ranked highest in Texas, California, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #29 | 621 |
| California | #38 | 570 |
| Nevada | #48 | 38 |
| Arizona | #68 | 79 |
| New Mexico | #77 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Catalina is usually pronounced ka-tuh-LEE-nuh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with C and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Catalina
A few middle names that flow with Catalina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Catalina
Similar names
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joo-lee-AH-nuh
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kat-uh-LEE-nuh
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Lists that include Catalina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Catalina mean?
Catalina is often said to mean “Spanish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Catalina?
Catalina has Spanish and Greek roots. Catalina is the Spanish form of Katherine.
Is Catalina a popular name?
Yes. Catalina ranked #111 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Catalina a boy or girl name?
Catalina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Catalina?
Catalina is usually pronounced ka-tuh-LEE-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings