Katherine
Katherine first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1990, when 11,625 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,670.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Katherine popular?
Declining Katherine is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
| 2020s | 10,675 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 34,144 | |
| 2000s | 65,356 | |
| 1990s | 96,885 | |
| 1980s | 99,175 | |
| 1970s | 54,048 | |
| 1960s | 50,619 | |
| 1950s | 66,855 | |
| 1940s | 39,912 | |
| 1930s | 25,193 | |
| 1920s | 42,745 | |
| 1910s | 36,884 | |
| 1900s | 12,105 | |
| 1890s | 9,408 | |
| 1880s | 6,922 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Katherine mean?
Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, of debated origin, long associated with katharos, “pure.” A name of saints, empresses and queens, it offers an unusual wealth of nicknames.
Nicknames for Katherine
- Kate
- Katie
- Kathy
- Kat
Variants & spellings
- Catherine
- Kathryn
- Katharine
Names like Katherine
Greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Katherine
Popular Greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Katherine
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Katherine mean?
Katherine means Pure. Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, of debated origin, long associated with katharos, “pure.” A name of saints, empresses and queens, it offers an unusual wealth of nicknames.
What is the origin of the name Katherine?
Katherine is of Greek origin.
How do you pronounce Katherine?
Katherine is pronounced “KATH-rin.”
Is Katherine a boy or a girl name?
Katherine is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Katherine a popular name right now?
Katherine is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
How popular is the name Katherine?
In 2025, Katherine ranked #186 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Katherine most popular?
Katherine was most popular in 1990, when about 11,625 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Katherine?
Common nicknames for Katherine include Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kat.
What names are similar to Katherine?
Names similar to Katherine include Caroline, Charlotte, Eleanor, Margaret.
What names go well with Katherine?
Greek names that pair well with Katherine include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.