Katharine is a classic and elegant given name of English origin, derived from the Greek 'Katherine', which means 'pure' or 'clear'. It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and has since been widely used throughout the English-speaking world.
The name Katharine has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers is Catherine of Aragon (1485-1536), the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Her daughter, also named Catherine, became Queen Mary I of England in 1553.
In literature and popular culture, Katharine has been the name of several prominent characters. In Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," one of the sisters is named Katherine or Kitty for short. Additionally, Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) was an esteemed American actress known for her strong-willed roles and independent spirit.
The name Katharine has also been a popular choice among royalty and nobility throughout history. Queen Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) married King Charles II of England in 1662, while Princess Catherine of Kent is the maternal grandmother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Variations of the name Katharine include Katherine, Kathryn, Catharine, Kathleen, Katie, Kathy, Kate, and Kitty. These variations offer a range of styles to suit different tastes and preferences. Overall, Katharine is a timeless and distinguished given name with a rich history and a variety of notable bearers across various fields.
"Katharine saw an increase in popularity from 1984 to 1985, with a total of 11 babies named Katharine during those two years."