Kathryn

The first name Kathryn is an English variant of Katherine, which in turn has its origin in the name Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη).

What does the name Kathryn mean?

The name Kathryn is considered an English form of Katherine and has its roots in Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη). Translated into German, it means 'the Pure' and 'the Innocent'. This meaning, mistakenly attributed by the Romans, has persisted to the present day. Kathryn has its roots in ancient Greek and is derived from the word katharós (καθαρός), which means 'pure', 'clean', 'unstained', or 'chaste'. In addition to this origin, there are other possible meanings and origins. The name could also be derived from ancient Greek terms such as hekáteros (ἑκάτερος) for 'each of the two' and 'each one', hekás (ἑκάς) for 'far away' in connection with the goddess Hekátē (Ἑκάτη), hekatón (ἑκᾰτόν) for 'hundred', or aikíā (αἰκῐ́ᾱ) for 'torture' or 'outrage'. Additionally, there is a reference to a Coptic name meaning 'my consecration of your name'. The first name has spread worldwide through the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Other variants include Katrina, Katrine, Katariina, Katriina, Katrien, Katrijn, Katrischa, Katriona, Katrin, Katrice, Katica, Katrinna, Kathrin, and Kathrina. In Germany, the name has been present since the 1960s.

Where does the name Kathryn come from?

The origin of the name Kathryn is ancient Greek and means 'the Pure'. The name is composed of the ancient Greek word katharós (καθαρός), which means 'pure', 'clean', 'unstained', or 'chaste'. Other ancient Greek roots include hekáteros (ἑκάτερος) for 'each of the two' or hekás (ἑκάς) for 'far away', in reference to the goddess Hekátē (Ἑκάτη), as well as hekatón (ἑκᾰτόν) for 'hundred' and aikíā (αἰκῐ́ᾱ) for 'torture' or 'outrage'. The name is common in the English language.

How do you pronounce Kathryn?

The pronunciation of Kathryn is characterized by a dense, slightly edgy sound and is generally pronounced as 'Käth-rin' [ˈkæθrɪn]. The name begins with an open, distinctive onset. The consonant cluster '-thr' creates a noticeable tension, while the short ending clearly closes the sound. This gives Kathryn a strong and focused presence - compact, concise, and with a slightly rough, distinctive quality.

When is the name day of Kathryn?

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

Popularity

In Germany, Kathryn is a relatively well-known first name. In 2023, it ranked 3,880th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best ranking was in 2012, when it placed 1,945th. Over the last ten years, the name has been given about 30 times, placing it 5,353rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 4,654th.

Nicknames & pet names

Kate / Kathy / Katie / Kess / Kessy

Similar first names

Famous people

• Del Kathryn Barton (artist from Australia)
• Kathryn Ann Lunda (speed skater from America)
• Kathryn Burak (American writer)
• Kathryn Carver (American actress)
• Kathryn Dwyer "Kathy" Sullivan (former American astronaut)
• Kathryn Eames (actress from the USA)
• Kathryn Eisman (Australian writer)
• Kathryn Erbe (actress)
• Kathryn Felicia Day (American actress)
• Kathryn Fiore (American actress)
• Kathryn Hahn (American actress)
• Kathryn Hartman (Australian actress)
• Kathryn Hire (American astronaut)
• Kathryn Hughes (English historian)
• Kathryn Janeway (Captain of the Voyager Star Trek)
• Kathryn Jean Finlayson (artist from the USA)
• Kathryn Ladano (Canadian musician)
• Kathryn Lance (American writer)
• Kathryn Lasky (American writer)
• Kathryn Leigh Scott (American actress)