Katherine
Katherine is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Pure.
Origin and history
Katherine is a classic English name derived from the Greek Aikaterine, traditionally interpreted as meaning 'pure'. It has been a mainstay in English-speaking countries for centuries, borne by numerous saints, queens, and literary figures. In the United States, it remains a timeless choice with very strong historical popularity.
Popularity in the United States
650,926 babies in the United States have been named Katherine since 1880. It ranks #41 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #164.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.8 %)
- NY (8.1 %)
- TX (6.3 %)
- IL (5.1 %)
- OH (4.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 6,922 |
| 1890-1900 | 9,408 |
| 1900-1910 | 12,105 |
| 1910-1920 | 36,884 |
| 1920-1930 | 42,745 |
| 1930-1940 | 25,193 |
| 1940-1950 | 39,912 |
| 1950-1960 | 66,855 |
| 1960-1970 | 50,619 |
| 1970-1980 | 54,048 |
| 1980-1990 | 99,175 |
| 1990-2000 | 96,885 |
| 2000-2010 | 65,356 |
| 2010-2019 | 34,144 |
| 2020-2029 | 10,675 |
Famous people named Katherine
- Katherine Hepburn: Actress
- Katherine Johnson: Mathematician, Scientist
- Katherine Heigl: Actress
Nicknames
Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kathie, Kat
Fun facts
- The name Katherine was borne by three of King Henry VIII's wives, including Catherine of Aragon.
- Katherine is one of the most consistently popular female names in American history, ranking in the top 50 overall overall since 1880.