International Variations of Katherine
Katherine is one of the most enduring classic baby names for girls.
Famous Katherines and Catherines from history include three wives of Henry VIII (Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr), Russian Empress Catherine the Great, and legendary Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn.
Iconic literary Catherines include Catherine "Cathy" Earnshaw from Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, Catherine "Kitty" Bennet and Catherine Morland from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey, and Catherine Barkley from Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms.
And Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is a highly influential modern bearer of the classic girl name Catherine.
Along with the truly timeless baby girl names Katherine and Catherine, several other forms of the name rank in the US Top 1000, such as Kate, Kaitlyn or Katelyn, Katie, and Katalina. But there are many beautiful international forms of Katherine that also belong on the list of uncommon and unique baby names for girls. Along with foreign variants like Yekaterina, Catriona and Katrien, there are also plenty of unique nicknames for Katherine to choose from, such as Katya, Kaia and Reina. Discover some of the best international variants of Katherine here.
- Kaia
Origin:
Latin, Scandinavian, or HawaiianMeaning:
"to rejoice or sea"Description:
The new Maia, the next Kayla, Kaia has been on the charts since the year 2000. You might see it as a female form of the also-rising Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian and is sometimes used for girls as well, or as a Kardashianization of the ancient goddess name Caia.
- Katherine
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Katherine is one of the oldest, most diverse, and all-around best names: it's powerful, feminine, royal, saintly, classic, popular, and adaptable. Long one of the top girls' names starting with K, Katherine has now been unseated on the popularity list by upstarts Kennedy and Kinsley, but a dip in popularity only adds to its charm.
- Catherine
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
- Catalina
Origin:
Spanish variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.
- Kathleen
Origin:
Anglicized form of Irish CaitlinMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of the hip Dixie Chicks, Martie Maguire. Kathleen was a Top 10 name from 1948 to 1951, and it is the subject of several old sentimental songs, such as "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."
- Kai
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"sea"Description:
This appealing multi-cultural name, pronounced KYE, is beginning to be used for girls as well as boys. Among its many derivations and meanings: "sea" in Hawaiian, "forgiveness" in Japanese, "willow tree" in Navajo, "food" in Maori, and "earth" in Scandinavian. For girls, it debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2010.
- Katarina
Origin:
Slovak; Swedish; Serbian; Croatian; Slovenian, variation of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The Russian version of Katherine is usually Ekaterina, but this form is used throughout Eastern Europe and may be more friendly to the American ear.
- Reina
Origin:
Spanish, Yiddish or JapaneseMeaning:
"queen; pure; wise"Description:
An appellation for the Virgin Mary, "Queen of the apostles." After three years off the US popularity charts, Reina rejoined the list in 2014, though it lags behind alternate spellings Raina, Rayna, and Reyna. It is also used in Yiddish and in Japanese.
- Kaja
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Katarina, Polish variation of Gaia or EstonianMeaning:
"pure; earth mother; rejoice; echo"Description:
Short, sharp, and pretty, Kaja is an international choice with multiple origins. Favored in Slovenia, Norway, and Poland, the similar Kaia is currently popular more widely.
- Katia
Origin:
Russian diminutive of EkaterinaMeaning:
"pure"Description:
One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington is the father of a Katia.
- Kaisa
Description:
Kaisa is a feminine name with Finnish and Estonian origins, functioning as a variant of Katherine or Kaarina. Simple yet distinctive, this name carries a fresh, modern sound while maintaining traditional Nordic roots. In Finland, Kaisa has maintained moderate popularity for generations, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and spelling. The name reflects the characteristically concise style of Finnish naming traditions. Besides Finland and Estonia, Kaisa occasionally appears in other Scandinavian countries. The name's meaning connects back to Katherine's Greek origin signifying 'pure.' Kaisa exemplifies the elegant simplicity valued in Nordic naming customs while remaining accessible to international speakers.
- Catriona
Origin:
Scottish form of Katherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr, Catherine of Alexandria. Its later popularity increased following the success of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1893 Catriona, the sequel to Kidnapped.
- Katerina
Origin:
Macedonian, Czech, Russian, Bulgarian, and Greek form of KatherineDescription:
Katerina and its near-identical twin Katarina have a pleasingly lilting European sound, though for some Americans they may be uncomfortably close to Katrina, which will be linked for a long time to the hurricane that devastated New Orleans.
- Katerina
Origin:
Macedonian, Czech, Russian, Bulgarian, and Greek form of KatherineDescription:
Katerina and its near-identical twin Katarina have a pleasingly lilting European sound, though for some Americans they may be uncomfortably close to Katrina, which will be linked for a long time to the hurricane that devastated New Orleans.
- Aikaterine
Description:
Aikaterine is a feminine name representing the original Greek form of Katherine. It derives from the Greek 'Aikaterinē,' though its exact etymology remains debated. Some scholars connect it to the Greek word 'katharos' meaning 'pure,' while others suggest links to the goddess Hecate or the Greek 'aikia' (torture), referring to St. Catherine's martyrdom on the wheel. This traditional form maintains the authentic Greek spelling and pronunciation (eye-kah-teh-REE-neh), offering historical depth compared to the more common Katherine variants. While rare in English-speaking countries, it remains closer to forms still used in Greece. The name carries an air of classical elegance and learned sophistication, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical authenticity and cultural significance rather than modernized adaptations.
- Katja
Origin:
German; Scandinavian; Finnish; Dutch; Slovene; Croatian, from GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
A sweet and international short form of Catherine, pronounced like Katya and used in various European languages.
- Katinka
Origin:
Hungarian, Russian, and Dutch diminutive of Katherine or Katarina, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
With its distinctive '-inka' suffix, common in Slavic and Eastern European diminutives, Katinka carries a playful yet sophisticated quality. The name enjoyed some popularity in the Netherlands and Hungary throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries.
- Katrine
Description:
Katrine is a feminine name of Scandinavian, German, and French origin, serving as a variant of Katherine or Katharina. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'Aikaterine' or 'Hekaterine,' whose meaning remains debated but may relate to the Greek 'katharos' meaning 'pure.' Katrine enjoys moderate popularity in Denmark, Norway, and other Northern European countries. In English-speaking regions, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Katherine or Katrina. The name carries an elegant, international quality with its clean pronunciation and classic roots. Culturally, the name appears in literature and place names (like the Norwegian Katrine Lake), adding to its subtle appeal. Parents might choose Katrine for its blend of familiarity and uniqueness.
- Caterina
Origin:
Italian variation of KatherineDescription:
If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.
- Kasia
Origin:
Polish, diminutive of Katarzyna, form of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Attractive and equally intriguing alternative to Katya.