Catherina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "catharina," which means "pure" or "clear." The name Catherina is often associated with St. Catherine of Siena, a famous Dominican nun and Doctor of the Church who lived in the 14th century. She was known for her writings on spirituality and her role in bringing about peace between Italy's city-states.
The name Catherina has been used throughout history and across different cultures. In France, it is sometimes spelled Catherine or Cathérine, while in Spain and Italy, it may be written as Catalina or Caterina respectively. The name has also been popular among royals, with notable examples including Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of England's King Henry VIII, and Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia.
In literature and art, Catherina has inspired many creative works. For instance, it is the name of the heroine in "Catherine," a novel by Sir Walter Scott, and also appears in several paintings by famous artists such as Titian and Rembrandt.
Overall, Catherina is an elegant and historic feminine given name with deep roots in Latin culture and a rich history behind it. Its meaning, "pure" or "clear," adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and timeless name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Catherina has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States.
The earliest data point available is from 1900, with 7 babies named Catherina born that year. The next few decades saw fluctuating numbers, ranging from 5 to 9 births per year between 1901 and 1928.
The name's popularity started to pick up in the mid-20th century, with 13 births recorded in 1955, then 18 in 1956. This trend continued into the late 1950s and early 1960s, peaking at 25 births in 1962.
However, from the mid-1960s onwards, the popularity of the name Catherina began to decline. There was a brief resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with numbers ranging between 8 and 14 births per year. But overall, the frequency of the name continued to decrease throughout the latter half of the century.
In recent years, there has been some stabilization in the popularity of the name Catherina. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of babies named Catherina born each year ranged from 5 to 8, with a total of 7 births recorded in both 2019 and 2021.
In conclusion, while Catherina was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has since declined. However, it still maintains a consistent level of usage, with around 5 to 8 babies named Catherina born each year over the past two decades.