Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kathryn
GirlGreek, English· “uncertain; associated with pure”
- Meaning
- uncertain; associated with pure (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- KATH-rin
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #729
- US babies 2025
- 381
- Best rank
- #45 (1951)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Kathryn
Kathryn is often said to mean “uncertain; associated with pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and English roots.
Kathryn is an English form of Katherine, a name whose origin is uncertain. It comes from the Greek Aikaterine, and while it has long been associated with katharos, meaning "pure," that link is probably a later reinterpretation rather than its true source. The name spread through devotion to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary early martyr, and it was borne by several English queens. The spelling Kathryn became popular in the United States in the twentieth century. It feels classic and composed, and Kate, Katie and Kay offer friendly everyday options.
Other spellings with the same sound: Katharine, Catharine.
Popularity over time
Kathryn 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 #45 in 1951, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 8,504 were named Kathryn. In 2025, 381 babies were named Kathryn, and it ranked #729 nationally. That is 63% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #67 in 1920, #46 in 1950, #50 in 1980, #89 in 2000, #230 in 2010, and #729 in 2025. Of the 455,423 US girls named Kathryn since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 62,443 babies. Since 2010, 12,941 more have been named Kathryn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Gail, Ellen, Beverly, Marsha, and Marcia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kathryn ranked highest in Alabama, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #333 | 15 |
| Pennsylvania | #356 | 31 |
| South Carolina | #357 | 14 |
| Minnesota | #444 | 12 |
| Louisiana | #454 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kathryn is usually pronounced KATH-rin, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-yn”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Katharine and Catharine.
Middle names for Kathryn
A few middle names that flow with Kathryn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kathryn
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Lists that include Kathryn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kathryn mean?
Kathryn is often said to mean “uncertain; associated with pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Kathryn?
Kathryn has Greek and English roots. Kathryn is an English form of Katherine, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Kathryn a popular name?
Yes. Kathryn ranked #729 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kathryn a boy or girl name?
Kathryn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kathryn?
Kathryn is usually pronounced KATH-rin. 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