Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kathryn is a name of Greek origin meaning 'pure.' It evolved from Aikaterine to Catherine and eventually to Kathryn. The name is often associated with positive traits such as strength and elegance, and it gained popularity in the 20th century. There are notable figures with this name, but it does not have a biblical background.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθrɪn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Kathryn is derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterine' which is believed to have roots in the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.'
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Aikaterine, Catherine, Kathryn
Historical Usage
Kathryn gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a variant of Catherine.
Variants & Derivatives
Catherine, Katherine, Katie, Kat, Kitty
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Kathryn is viewed as classic and timeless, often associated with strength and elegance.
Famous People
Kathryn Hepburn, Kathryn Bigelow, Kathryn Barger
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 105 peak births in 1953
Geographic Spread
Popular across 22 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 | 1769th of 9107 | 389 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1879th of 9204 | 349 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1221st of 12526 | 1,365 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2621st of 19264 | 461 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3675th of 27321 | 424 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9504th of 35406 | 171 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |
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) |
95.13% 1347th/1416 |
64.25% 886th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
100.00% 1556th/1556 |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
48.68% 1084th/2227 |
64.73% 1573rd/2430 |
57.20% 1632nd/2853 |
44.00% 1221st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
80.73% 2371st/2937 |
- | - |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
83.13% 4318th/5194 |
68.20% 4308th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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 Baby Boomers generation in the West 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 1769th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1879th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1221st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2621st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3675th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9504th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 28476th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.