Names That Mean Pure

Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. But English speakers may want to choose the Katerina or Katarina spelling to avoid pronunciation confusion.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.

Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.

Kalena is one of those names that has a pleasant-if-synthetic feel. Research turns up a range of origins and meanings, but the most reliable peg it as a derivation of Katherine.

This is the spelling that old-time film star Katharine Hepburn used, and it's still favored by fans wanting to reference her classic strength and beauty. But in general, it's losing ground to Katherine and even Ms. Hepburn's own favorite short form, Kate.

One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties -- and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? -- now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.

Cait, pronounced like more popular sister Kate, is the form used when shortening Caitlin or any of the other Irish and Gaelic Cait-starting variations of Catherine.

Kick is a word name that some parents might use for their baby in utero — akin to Bean or Booboo — but it's increasingly being heard as a word name especially used in the middle, ala Jeremy Sisto for son Bastien. The Kennedy family has historically called daughters Kathleen Kick for short, and Kick can work as a nickname for a whole range of names male and female, from Nicholas to Keturah.

Strong cross-cultural name that could be a feminine spin on the Zachary family.

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative with the name might want to consider Kasia, Katarzyna's lovely (and much more English-friendly) nickname.

Pastoral poetry name, associated with shepherds and nymphs.

Yochanan Ben Zakkai is a prominent figure in Jewish history.

A possible Born Again name -- Amen -- in the same class as the still-popular Nevaeh (that's Heaven spelled backwards) and Trinity.

The sweet and simple Welsh form of Katherine, long popular in Wales but dropping down the popularity charts now. As a German name, it's a short form of Katharina.

Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

Unisex name from the Qu'aran.

Original twist on this classic.

Nine is not a numerical name, but rather a Dutch nickname for Katherine. It's identical in sound to Nina, although the two are etymologically unrelated.