Catherine is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "pure" or "innocent". The name Catherine is derived from the Greek word 'katharos', which translates to pure, clear or transparent.
The name Catherine has been used throughout history and is often associated with prominent historical figures such as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was tortured and killed for her faith in the 4th century. Catherine's popularity as a given name can be attributed to this saint and the numerous other famous individuals throughout history who have shared the name.
Today, Catherine remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet timeless name for their daughters. It is often shortened to Kathy or Kate, providing additional nickname options for those who prefer a more casual moniker. Despite its centuries-old origins, Catherine continues to be a beloved and widely-used name that is sure to stand the test of time.
The name Catherine experienced significant popularity spikes between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a peak of 8842 births in 1918. However, its popularity steadily declined from the mid-1900s onwards, dropping to an all-time low of 928 births in 2023. Overall, Catherine has had a total of 665,832 births since 1880.