Kathrene is a distinctive, feminine given name of American origin. It gained popularity during the early to mid-20th century and is less commonly used today, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet appealing name for their daughter. The name Kathrene is believed to have been created as a variant spelling of Katherine or Catherine, which are both derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning 'pure' or 'chaste'. However, Kathrene has its own distinctive sound and does not necessarily evoke the historical associations tied to Katherine or Catherine. Those who bear this name may appreciate its rarity while still benefiting from the familiarity and ease of pronunciation associated with more common names derived from the same root.
"Kathrene as a baby name saw spikes in popularity between the late 1940s and early 1950s, with 12 births in 1952 being its peak year. Despite some fluctuation, it consistently appeared among newborn girls throughout much of the 20th century, resulting in a total of 179 births recorded over this period."