Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Catharine is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'pure' or 'unsullied'. It evolved through various languages from Aikaterine in Greek through to its current form in English. The name is associated with traits of elegance and tradition and has biblical relevance through the figure of Saint Catherine. It has maintained a steady popularity over the centuries.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθəˌrin/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Catharine is derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterine', which is believed to mean 'pure' or 'unsullied'. The name has been associated with the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure'.
Meaning
pure, unsullied
Language Evolution
Aikaterine (Greek), Catherine (Old French), Catharina (Latin), Catharine (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly after the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr. It became common in various forms across Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Catherine, Katherine, Kathryn, Katie, Kitty
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Catharine is seen as a classic and elegant name, often associated with sophistication and tradition. It maintains a steady popularity in various cultures.
Famous People
Catherine the Great, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Catherine Deneuve, Saint Catherine of Alexandria
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 281 peak births in 1915
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Pennsylvania
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (41 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 41 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 420th of 9107 | 4,506 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 764th of 9204 | 1,622 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 883rd of 12526 | 2,457 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1339th of 19264 | 1,317 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1950th of 27321 | 1,043 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4135th of 35406 | 535 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9386th of 30306 | 131 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
35.38% 501st/1416 |
17.84% 246th/1379 |
33.94% 803rd/2366 |
70.75% 808th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
57.89% 895th/1546 |
26.93% 419th/1556 |
64.13% 1509th/2353 |
64.84% 1003rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
40.10% 893rd/2227 |
25.47% 619th/2430 |
44.16% 1260th/2853 |
32.25% 895th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
52.95% 1555th/2937 |
27.56% 960th/3483 |
55.80% 1963rd/3518 |
37.49% 1516th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
69.91% 2576th/3685 |
40.22% 1800th/4475 |
50.73% 2635th/5194 |
38.50% 2432nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
56.89% 2938th/5164 |
66.44% 4859th/7313 |
79.85% 5959th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Pennsylvania across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 420th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 764th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 883rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1339th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1950th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4135th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9386th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.