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Catalina vs Lucía

Which is more popular?
Lucía is more popular than Catalina today: about 3,012 US babies were given the name Lucía in 2025, compared with 2,456 named Catalina.
CatalinaLucía
Meaning uncertain; linked to 'pure' light
Origin spanish spanish
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation kah-tah-LEE-nah loo-SEE-ah
Syllables 4 3
First appeared18931880
Peak year2025 (2,456)2025 (3,012)
In 20252,4563,012
TrendNear its peakNear its peak
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Catalina Lucía
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeCatalinaLucía
2020s 11,909 14,117
2010s 9,369 14,704
2000s 3,742 8,097
1990s 2,236 3,968
1980s 1,304 3,341
1970s 1,001 2,476
1960s 678 2,547
1950s 538 2,501
1940s 422 1,870
1930s 616 1,643
1920s 817 1,760
1910s 278 1,260
1900s 73 464
1890s 26 347
1880s 0 240

What does Catalina mean?

The Spanish form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine, whose original meaning is unknown. Early Christians associated it with the Greek katharos 'pure', which reshaped the spelling (with -th-), but that 'pure' sense is a later folk association rather than the true root.

What does Lucía mean?

The Spanish form of Lucia, feminine of the Roman name Lucius, from the Latin lux (genitive lucis) 'light'. Borne by Saint Lucy, martyr and patron of the blind, traditionally associated with light and sight.

Frequently asked questions

Is Catalina or Lucía more popular?

Lucía is more popular than Catalina today: about 3,012 US babies were given the name Lucía in 2025, compared with 2,456 named Catalina.

What is the difference between Catalina and Lucía?

Catalina means uncertain; linked to 'pure' (spanish origin), while Lucía means light (spanish origin).

Which name is older, Catalina or Lucía?

In US records, Catalina first appears in 1893 and Lucía in 1880, so Lucía has the longer recorded history.