Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kathryn has Greek origins, meaning 'pure.' It evolved from Aikaterine to Catherine, then to Katherine, and finally to its modern form, Kathryn. The name is often associated with elegance and strength, and it gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to the influence of Saint Catherine. There are several variants and derivatives of the name, and it remains a classic choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθrɪn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Kathryn is derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' which is thought to be related to the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.'
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Aikaterine (Greek), Catherine (Latin/French), Katherine (Middle English), Kathryn (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly due to the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Variants & Derivatives
Catherine, Katherine, Kate, Katie, Kat
Modern Popularity & Image
Kathryn is perceived as a classic and timeless name, often associated with elegance and strength.
Famous People
Kathryn Hepburn (actress), Kathryn Bigelow (film director), Kathryn Janeway (fictional character from Star Trek)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,517 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 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) | Boy | 3182nd of 7545 | 108 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2498th of 6773 | 170 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2225th of 7552 | 252 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2923rd of 10718 | 190 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3021st of 16616 | 305 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11754th of 24088 | 60 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 72nd of 9107 | 65,523 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 104th of 9204 | 47,828 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 65th of 12526 | 128,079 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 94th of 19264 | 61,002 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 57th of 27321 | 92,931 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 133rd of 35406 | 41,406 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 444th of 30306 | 8,617 |
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) |
- | - |
47.05% 2444th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
57.95% 4238th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.03% 57th/1416 |
3.92% 54th/1379 |
4.78% 113th/2366 |
6.48% 74th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.72% 73rd/1546 |
5.78% 90th/1556 |
5.78% 136th/2353 |
5.75% 89th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.29% 51st/2227 |
2.92% 71st/2430 |
2.94% 84th/2853 |
1.66% 46th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.69% 79th/2937 |
2.73% 95th/3483 |
3.10% 109th/3518 |
2.30% 93rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.33% 49th/3685 |
1.12% 50th/4475 |
1.12% 58th/5194 |
1.08% 68th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.47% 113th/4582 |
2.03% 105th/5164 |
1.76% 129th/7313 |
2.48% 185th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.07% 401st/3984 |
9.85% 442nd/4487 |
5.98% 408th/6822 |
9.56% 600th/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 Iowa across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest 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, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3182nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2498th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2225th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2923rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3021st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11754th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 72nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 104th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 65th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 94th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 57th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 133rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 444th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.