Catherine

The first name Catherine is an English and French variant of Katharina, the Latinized form of the ancient Greek name Aikaterine. The name has been traced back to early Christianity and the ancient Greek word katharós meaning "pure, clean, unblemished," which leads to the name's meaning "the Pure" or, more broadly, "the Innocent."

What does the name Catherine mean?

The first name Catherine is an English and French variant of Katharina, the Latinized form of the ancient Greek name Aikaterine. The name has been traced back to early Christianity and the ancient Greek word katharós meaning "pure, clean, unblemished," which leads to the name's meaning "the Pure" or, more broadly, "the Innocent." However, the true origin of the name is not secure and is disputed among etymologists. The true origin may lie in the name Hekaterine (Ἑκατερινη) and the Greek word hekáteros meaning "each of the two." The Greek goddess Hekátē (Ἑκατη), whose name is said to derive from the ancient Greek hekás meaning "far off," may also have been a source of the name. A connection with the Greek word aikía meaning "torture" is also conceivable. More on the derivations can be found on the name page for Katharina. The female first name Catherine is widely used in English and French-speaking regions and ranks among the most common girls' names in the world, with nearly three million bearers. In Germany, Catherine is a rather rare name. Here, similar variants such as Cathrin, Catrin, Kathrin, and Katrin dominate. English variants of Catherine include Katharine and Katherine, as well as the short forms Cate, Cathy, Caty, Kate, Kathi, Kathie, Kathy, Katie, and Katy. Notable bearers of the name include the French actress Catherine Deneuve, the German actress Catherine Flemming, the British actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, born Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton.

Where does the name Catherine come from?

The word origin of Catherine is a female first name of ancient Greek origin meaning "the Pure" or "the Innocent." Ancient Greek

How do you pronounce Catherine?

Sound & pronunciation of Catherine: The name Catherine is three to four syllables and finely structured. In German pronunciation, it is usually articulated as "Ca-the-ri-ne" [katəˈʁiːnə] or, leaning towards the French, articulated more softly, combining clear consonants with a bright, stressed final syllable. The combination of a structured onset and long "i" creates a noble sound effect. Catherine appears international and sophisticated - elegant, nuanced, and timeless.

When is the name day of Catherine?

The name day for Catherine is on March 24, April 17, April 29, September 15, November 25, and December 31.

Popularity

Catherine is a popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 2,723rd on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 1965 at 97th. In the last ten years, Catherine has been given as a first name about 180 times, placing it 1,738th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,499th.

Nicknames & pet names

Caa / Caddü / Cat / Cate / Cath / Catha / Cathi / Cathie / Cathy / Cati / Catie / Caty / Cit / Cäde / Cädi / Kate / Katie / Ketti / Kitty / Tinchen / Tiny

Famous people

• Catherine Bell (American actress)
• Catherine Bernard (French writer)
• Catherine Czerkawska (writer from America)
• Catherine de Medici (mother of the King of the House of Valois)
• Catherine Deneuve (actress)
• Catherine Élise Blanchett (Australian actress, known as Cate Blanchett)
• Catherine Elwes (artist from Great Britain)
• Catherine Fabienne Dorleac (French actress)
• Catherine Grace "Cady" Coleman (American astronaut)
• Catherine Gund (American film director)
• Catherine Heath (American writer)
• Catherine Heigl (actress)
• Catherine Howard (was the fifth wife of English King Henry VIII)
• Catherine Jauniaux (Belgian musician)
• Catherine King (English singer)
• Catherine Kousmine (doctor from Russia)
• Catherine Langeais (French actress)
• Catherine Linton (main character in the novel "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte)
• Catherine Littlefield (American dancer)
• Catherine McQueen (model from Great Britain)