Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Katharine has Greek origins, meaning 'pure'. It evolved through various forms in different languages, retaining its core meaning. Historically, it became popular due to saints and has a classic image today. There is no biblical relevance associated with it.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθəraɪn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Katharine derives from the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. It has been associated with several early saints, particularly Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Catherine (French), Katherine (Old French), Catarina (Portuguese), Caterina (Italian)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, largely due to the veneration of Saint Catherine, and it has remained a common name in various cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Catherine, Katherine, Kate, Kitty, Kat
Modern Popularity & Image
Katharine is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with intelligence and sophistication.
Famous People
Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Graham, Katharine of Aragon
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 947 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Connecticut
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13786th of 16616 | 11 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 355th of 9107 | 6,135 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 500th of 9204 | 3,580 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 497th of 12526 | 6,563 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 517th of 19264 | 6,012 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 359th of 27321 | 11,424 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 896th of 35406 | 4,432 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2825th of 30306 | 724 |
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) |
26.55% 376th/1416 |
16.97% 234th/1379 |
21.01% 497th/2366 |
35.46% 405th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
31.95% 494th/1546 |
20.57% 320th/1556 |
30.94% 728th/2353 |
31.74% 491st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
22.77% 507th/2227 |
14.57% 354th/2430 |
21.56% 615th/2853 |
18.45% 512th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.65% 489th/2937 |
11.97% 417th/3483 |
17.51% 616th/3518 |
13.72% 555th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.85% 326th/3685 |
5.54% 248th/4475 |
8.22% 427th/5194 |
6.79% 429th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.01% 871st/4582 |
11.68% 603rd/5164 |
14.43% 1055th/7313 |
14.44% 1078th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.92% 3184th/3984 |
53.26% 2390th/4487 |
47.39% 3233rd/6822 |
45.43% 2851st/6276 |
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 Connecticut across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) 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 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 Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13786th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 355th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 500th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 497th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 517th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 359th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 896th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2825th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.