Catherine Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Catherine originates from the Greek 'Aikaterine', meaning 'pure'. It has evolved through various languages, including Italian and French, before becoming prominent in English. The name is associated with traits of purity and grace. Although it does not have a biblical connection, it gained historical significance through the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Catherine"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθ.ə.rɪn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Catherine is derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterine', which is believed to be related to the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure'.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Aikaterine (Greek), Caterina (Italian), Catherine (French), Catarina (Portuguese), Katherine (English)
Historical Usage
The name Catherine gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe, due to the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Variants & Derivatives
Katherine, Catriona, Kitty, Kate, Cathy
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Catherine is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with sophistication and grace.
Famous People
Catherine the Great, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge)
📊 Catherine Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Catherine Name Visualizations
✨ Catherine Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 12,076 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Catherine" - Complete Guide (41 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Catherine". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 41 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Catherine" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Catherine"
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 of "Catherine"
"Catherine" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1505th of 7545 | 383 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1416th of 6773 | 425 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1710th of 7552 | 398 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2276th of 10718 | 280 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3539th of 16616 | 241 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 12556th of 24088 | 51 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 23rd of 9107 | 151,443 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 47th of 9204 | 93,662 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 37th of 12526 | 184,489 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 68th of 19264 | 80,716 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 72nd of 27321 | 68,774 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 117th of 35406 | 45,503 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 225th of 30306 | 16,717 |
Regional Popularity of "Catherine" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
60.62% 836th/1379 |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
52.51% 817th/1556 |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
52.39% 1273rd/2430 |
- |
60.61% 1682nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
40.32% 2094th/5194 |
53.79% 3398th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Catherine" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
2.19% 31st/1416 |
0.94% 13th/1379 |
1.82% 43rd/2366 |
4.38% 50th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.33% 67th/1546 |
1.86% 29th/1556 |
2.38% 56th/2353 |
5.49% 85th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.84% 41st/2227 |
1.11% 27th/2430 |
1.68% 48th/2853 |
1.33% 37th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.59% 76th/2937 |
1.44% 50th/3483 |
1.93% 68th/3518 |
1.93% 78th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.39% 88th/3685 |
1.32% 59th/4475 |
1.37% 71st/5194 |
1.50% 95th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.12% 143rd/4582 |
1.49% 77th/5164 |
1.45% 106th/7313 |
2.08% 155th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.35% 293rd/3984 |
4.28% 192nd/4487 |
2.81% 192nd/6822 |
4.45% 279th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Catherine"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Catherine" 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 of "Catherine" in the United States
The name Catherine is most popular in District of Columbia, USA 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 Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, Catherine has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Catherine' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1505th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1416th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1710th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2276th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3539th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 12556th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 23rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 47th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 37th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 68th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 72nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 117th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 225th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Catherine' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.