Origin and Meaning of Katherine
Meaning & Origin
Pure
Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is believed to be related to the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure'.
Interesting Facts
- Katherine has been a favored name in royal families throughout history, particularly in England with figures such as Catherine of Aragon and Catherine the Great.
- The name is used in various cultures and languages, often with slight variations like Catherine (French), Katarina (Slavic), and Catalina (Spanish).
- Notable bearers of the name include actress Katherine Hepburn, author Katherine Paterson, and former First Lady Katherine Switzer.
- Katherine was a consistently popular name in the 20th century, maintaining a presence in the top 1000 names in the U.S. and seeing peaks in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Variations of the name include Kathleen, Kate, Katie, and Katerina, each possessing their own distinct appeal while maintaining the essence of the original name.