Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Katherine
GirlGreek· “uncertain; often linked to pure”
- Meaning
- uncertain; often linked to pure (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KATH-ur-ihn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #186
- US babies 2025
- 1,670
- Best rank
- #25 (1991)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Katherine
Katherine is often said to mean “uncertain; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, a name whose origin is uncertain. Early Christians associated it with katharos, meaning pure, which led to the spellings with th, but the link may be later folk etymology. Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary martyr, made the name hugely popular in medieval Europe. It has been borne by many royals, including Catherine of Aragon and Catherine Parr, wives of Henry VIII, and Catherine the Great of Russia. Katherine is classic and versatile, with nicknames including Kate, Katie, Kit and Kathy.
Popularity over time
Katherine has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #25 in 1991, and the most babies received it in 1990, when 11,625 were named Katherine. In 2025, 1,670 babies were named Katherine, and it ranked #186 nationally. That is 52% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #45 in 1920, #58 in 1950, #35 in 1980, #33 in 2000, #70 in 2010, and #186 in 2025. Of the 650,926 US girls named Katherine since records began, 15% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 96,885 babies. Since 2010, 44,819 more have been named Katherine.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shelby, Courtney, Brittney, Cassandra, and Kayla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Katherine ranked highest in Alabama, District of Columbia, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #79 | 51 |
| District of Columbia | #83 | 9 |
| South Carolina | #96 | 44 |
| Mississippi | #110 | 21 |
| North Carolina | #124 | 81 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Katherine is usually pronounced KATH-ur-ihn, with three syllables. It has nine letters, starts with K and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Katherine
A few middle names that flow with Katherine: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Katherine
Similar names
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Lists that include Katherine
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Katherine mean?
Katherine is often said to mean “uncertain; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Katherine?
Katherine has Greek roots. Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Katherine a popular name?
Yes. Katherine ranked #186 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Katherine a boy or girl name?
Katherine is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Katherine?
Katherine is usually pronounced KATH-ur-ihn. 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