Katherine

At a Glance

Meaning

Traditionally 'pure' (Greek), though the true root is disputed

Origin

Greek (via Catherine)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

KATH-rinListen

Katherine is a Greek name that came to English by way of Catherine, traditionally interpreted as meaning 'pure' — though scholars still debate the name's true root. Said KATH-rin, it carries a romantic, storybook, timeless, classic feel that's kept it a familiar name for generations. If you're drawn to vintage names with old-world roots, it's worth a close look.

Meaning & Origin of Katherine

Meaning: Traditionally 'pure' (Greek), though the true root is disputed.

Origin: Greek (via Catherine).

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Katherine

Popularity of Katherine

Katherine has been recorded in Social Security data every year from 1880 to 2024, peaking at #25 in 1991 with 11,495 babies given the name. By 2024 it had settled to #175, with 1,740 babies — still a steady presence, just far from its early-90s high.

Names Like Katherine

These names share Katherine’s style, era or origin.

• Barbara
• Callista
• Catherine
• Delia
• Demetria
• Dorothy

FAQ

What does the name Katherine mean?

Traditionally ‘pure’ (Greek), though the true root is disputed. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Katherine?

Katherine is pronounced KATH-rin (IPA: /ˈkæθrɪn/).

Is Katherine a popular name right now?

Katherine peaked at #25 in 1991 and is ranked #175 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Katherine Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Katherine, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.