Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kathrin
GirlGerman, Greek· “German form of Katherine”
- Meaning
- German form of Katherine
- Origin
- German, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KATH-rihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #1,998 (1952)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Kathrin
Kathrin is a German and Greek name that is usually said to mean “German form of Katherine”.
Kathrin is the German form of Katherine, a name that goes back to the Greek Aikaterine, of uncertain origin, and was long associated with katharos, pure. Saint Catherine of Alexandria made the name famous throughout medieval Europe, and it has many forms, including Katrin in German and Scandinavian languages. In German, Kathrin is said KAHT-reen, since the th sounds like t. In the United States it is usually said KATH-rihn, like a shortened Katherine. Kathi, Kat and Kate are possible nicknames. Kathrin is simple and crisp, with a continental flavor.
Popularity over time
Kathrin first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,998 in 1952, and the most babies received it in 1990, when 36 were named Kathrin. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #3,321 in 1950, #3,666 in 1980, #6,985 in 2000, and #15,966 in 2010. Of the 1,214 US girls named Kathrin since records began, 17% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 202 babies. Since 2010, 27 more have been named Kathrin.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lawren, Oliva, Carlisa, Karra, and Parisa.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kathrin is usually pronounced KATH-rihn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Kathrin
A few middle names that flow with Kathrin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kathrin
Similar names
Caitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Catherine” · Irish
#2,333
Gretta Girl
GREH-tuh
“variant of Greta, from Margaret "pearl"” · German
#5,466
Malin Girl
MAH-lihn
“Scandinavian form of Magdalene” · Swedish
#7,020
Talin Unisex
TAH-lin
“from Talin, an Armenian town” · Armenian
#11,831
Erin Girl
AIR-in
“Ireland” · Irish
#833
Jazmin Girl
JAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Spanish
#710
Aylin Girl
AY-lihn
“moon halo” · Turkish
#345
Jasmin Girl
JAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Persian
#1,409
Jaylin Unisex
JAY-lihn
“blend of Jay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#1,742
Kaylin Girl
KAY-lin
“modern coinage; blend of Kay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#1,644
Yasmin Girl
YAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Persian
#959
Kaitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure” · Irish
#4,114
Lists that include Kathrin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kathrin mean?
Kathrin is a German and Greek name that is usually said to mean “German form of Katherine”.
What is the origin of the name Kathrin?
Kathrin has German and Greek roots. Kathrin is the German form of Katherine, a name that goes back to the Greek Aikaterine, of uncertain origin, and was long associated with katharos, pure.
Is Kathrin a popular name?
No. Kathrin was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Kathrin a boy or girl name?
Kathrin is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kathrin?
Kathrin is usually pronounced KATH-rihn. 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