Catherine: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KATH-rin · 2 syllables
Catherine means “pure”, from Greek.
Borrowed from French Catherine, from Ancient Greek (Aikaterine), * (*Hekaterine), of debated meaning, possibly from (hekateros, “each of the two”), or from the name of the goddess Hecate.
- Meaning
- pure
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KATH-rin
- US rank (2025)
- #313
- US babies a year
- about 969 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1900
- Style
- Vintage, Classic, Literary
- Nicknames
- Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kitty, Kay
How popular is Catherine?
Catherine was the #313 name in the US in 2025, given to 972 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 49% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #313 |
| England & Wales | #416 |
| Scotland | #209 |
| Northern Ireland | #228 |
| Ireland | #276 |
| France | #995 |
| Canada | #463 |
| Australia | #432 |
How old are people named Catherine?
Half of US adults named Catherine are older than 60; most are between 24 and 82. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Catherine
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Catherine have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Catherine
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Catherine
What does the name Catherine mean?
Catherine means “pure”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Catherine?
Catherine is pronounced KATH-rin.
How popular is the name Catherine?
Catherine was the #313 name in the US in 2025, given to 972 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 49% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
How old are people named Catherine?
Half of US adults named Catherine are older than 60. Most are between 24 and 82.