KATHERINE  

Gender: F
Origin: Greek
Meaning: "pure"

Popularity in 2008: #45

One of the oldest, most diverse, and all-around best names: it's powerful, feminine, royal, saintly, classic, popular, adaptable. Spellings, short forms, and admirable namesakes abound. This spelling has been the preferred one in recent years.

Variations:
Cathirin, Kathi, Kathann, Cataleena, Cathrine, Caity, Kathy, Katheryne, Katheren, Catharyne, Katharine, Cathrinn, Catheryn, Katherina, Katherene, Kathleen, Cate, Kathrine, Kathereen, Casy, Cathlyne, Caitie, Kathanne, Cataline, Catalin, Cathaline, Catharin, Katheryn, Kat, Cat, Cathee, Kathryn, Cassie, Cathaleen, Katherin, Cassi, Cateline, Kathyrine, Katee, Kate, Kay, Cait, Cassey, Cathelina, Catherina, Catharine, Cathie, Cathleen, Catarine, Cataleen, Kitty, Katherenne, Cathline, Cass, Catharina, Catharyna

People who like Katherine also like:

Elizabeth, Charlotte, Audrey, Claire, Eliza, Juliet, Julia, Jane, Louisa, Rose, Henry, William, James

Katherine is being discussed in our message boards:

• A thought
• need a 3syllable name to go with ALMAZ
• Unexpected, soft, and pretty girl names?
• Poll: Once a Nickname... Always a Nickname???
• Mayflower Names!

Read Nameberry blog posts about Katherine:

• IRISH NAMES NOW: What's doing in Dublin?
• VAMPIRE BABY NAMES
• EXOTIC LITE: Girls' Edition
• THE SECRET MEANING OF NAMES
• LOVE THAT NAME, but...