Kathrine is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Middle Ages name Catherina, which itself comes from the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure' or 'clean'. The name has been associated with purity, innocence, and virtue throughout history.
The name Kathrine first appeared in the early Middle Ages when it was brought to Europe by Catholic missionaries. It quickly became popular among the nobility due to its association with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian virgin martyr whose legend gained widespread popularity during the Crusades. Many variations of the name emerged over time, such as Katherine, Kathryn, and Catherine.
In literature and art, Kathrine has been featured prominently throughout history. She was the subject of numerous religious works, including many paintings by famous artists like Fra Angelico and Carpaccio. In more recent times, notable figures named Kathrine include British actress Katharine Hepburn and American poet Katherine Mansfield.
While Kathrine may have lost some popularity in recent decades, it remains a beloved classic name with a rich history and beautiful meaning. It is often chosen for its timelessness and elegance, as well as its connection to strong historical figures like Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Kathrine experienced fluctuations in popularity over time. From 1880 to around 1960, there were consistently between 16 to 250 births per year, peaking at 244 births in 1957. However, since the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Kathrine has steadily declined, with fewer than 30 births per year from 1978 onwards, and dropping to single digits in recent years, with only 13 births recorded in 2022. Overall, there were a total of 15,738 births named Kathrine over the specified period.