Catarina is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the word "katharos", meaning "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine, which was introduced to the Greek-speaking world through Christianity.

The name Catarina gained popularity in the Byzantine Empire, where it was used as a Christian name. It later spread to other parts of Europe, particularly in regions with Greek cultural influence, such as Italy and Spain.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Catarina can be found in the writings of the 4th-century Christian scholar St. Jerome, who mentioned a woman named Catarina in his writings.

In the Middle Ages, the name Catarina became more widespread across Europe, particularly in Italy, where it was used by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Caterina da Siena (1347-1380), an Italian philosopher, theologian, and mystic who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Another notable figure named Catarina was Catarina de' Medici (1519-1589), an Italian noblewoman who became the Queen of France. She was a prominent figure during the French Renaissance and played a significant role in the religious wars that plagued France during her reign.

In Spain, the name Catarina was popularized by Catalina de Aragón (1485-1536), the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Despite her marriage to the English king, she remained deeply rooted in her Spanish heritage and was known for her devout Catholicism.

In the 16th century, the name Catarina was also used by Caterina Sforza (1463-1509), an Italian noblewoman and countess who was renowned for her military prowess and her defense of the city of Forlì against the forces of Cesare Borgia.

Another notable figure with the name Catarina was Caterina Cornaro (1454-1510), a Venetian noblewoman who became the Queen of Cyprus. She was known for her diplomatic skills and her efforts to maintain peace between Cyprus and the Venetian Republic.

These are just a few examples of the many notable figures throughout history who bore the name Catarina, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance across various regions and time periods.