Kathryn is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name Katrín, which was derived from the word 'kattle', meaning pure or clear. The name Kathryn is composed of two elements: 'Catrin' and '-yn'. The first element, Catrin, means 'pure' or 'clear', while the '-yn' suffix indicates that it is a feminine form.
The name Kathryn has been in use for centuries and has been popularized by various historical figures. One notable figure was Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), an Italian mystic and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, who was named Catherina but became known as Catherine or Kathryn in English-speaking countries.
The name Kathryn reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is still a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their daughters.
In literature, Kathryn has been used as a character's name in various works, such as "Kathryn" by Mary Higgins Clark, a suspense novel published in 2001. The name has also been used in television and film, such as in the sitcom "The Wayans Bros." (1995-1999), where one of the main characters was named Kathryn.
Overall, Kathryn is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful origin that continues to be popular today.
The name Kathryn has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak occurring around the mid-20th century. From 1880 to 1950, there was a steady increase in its usage, reaching a high of 8,460 births in 1951. However, from 1951 onwards, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily until it reached an all-time low in recent years, with only 427 births recorded in 2023.
Throughout its history, Kathryn has been a popular choice among parents, particularly during the mid-20th century when it consistently ranked among the top 100 names for newborn girls. Despite its decline in popularity since then, Kathryn remains a classic and enduring name with a rich historical context.