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Catalina vs Ximena

Which is more popular?
Catalina is more popular than Ximena today: about 2,456 US babies were given the name Catalina in 2025, compared with 1,686 named Ximena.
CatalinaXimena
Meaning uncertain; linked to 'pure' uncertain; medieval Iberian
Origin spanish spanish
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation kah-tah-LEE-nah hee-MEH-nah
Syllables 4 3
First appeared18931966
Peak year2025 (2,456)2016 (2,680)
In 20252,4561,686
TrendNear its peakRising
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Catalina Ximena
1900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeCatalinaXimena
2020s 11,909 11,294
2010s 9,369 21,026
2000s 3,742 6,801
1990s 2,236 385
1980s 1,304 89
1970s 1,001 56
1960s 678 5
1950s 538 0
1940s 422 0
1930s 616 0
1920s 817 0
1910s 278 0
1900s 73 0
1890s 26 0

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 Ximena mean?

An old Iberian name (also spelled Jimena; the archaic X represents the sound later written J) of genuinely uncertain origin. The main theories derive it from the Basque seme 'son', or treat it as a feminine of Simon/Simeon (Hebrew Shim'on, 'he has heard'). Neither is settled. Famous as the wife of El Cid.

Frequently asked questions

Is Catalina or Ximena more popular?

Catalina is more popular than Ximena today: about 2,456 US babies were given the name Catalina in 2025, compared with 1,686 named Ximena.

What is the difference between Catalina and Ximena?

Catalina means uncertain; linked to 'pure' (spanish origin), while Ximena means uncertain; medieval Iberian (spanish origin).

Which name is older, Catalina or Ximena?

In US records, Catalina first appears in 1893 and Ximena in 1966, so Catalina has the longer recorded history.