The name Catharine is derived from the ancient Greek name Aikaterine, which itself originated from the combination of the words katharos meaning "pure" and the name of the Greek goddess Hekate. The name has its roots in the late antiquity period of the Greek civilization, around the 3rd century AD.

Catharine was one of the most popular feminine names during the Middle Ages, particularly across Western Europe. The name was borne by several notable historical figures, including St. Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century Christian martyr and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers venerated in medieval Europe. The cult of St. Catherine played a significant role in the widespread adoption of the name.

In England, the name gained prominence with Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII, who lived from 1485 to 1536. Another notable bearer was Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth wife, who lived from 1523 to 1542. Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, lived from 1512 to 1548.

In Russia, the name was popularized by Catherine the Great, the renowned Empress of Russia who reigned from 1762 to 1796. Her birth name was Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, but she adopted the Russian form of the name upon her marriage to the future Tsar Peter III.

Other notable historical figures named Catharine include Catharine Beecher (1800-1878), an American educator and leader in the movement to professionalize teaching; Catharine Sedgwick (1789-1867), an American novelist of the 19th century; and Catharine Macaulay (1731-1791), an English historian and radical political writer.