Find out how popular the first name Katharine has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katharine by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Katharine is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Katharine being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katharine.

The history of the first name Katharine

The name Katharine originates from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is derived from the combination of the Greek words "katharos" meaning "pure" and "ather" meaning "innocence". This name eventually evolved into the Latin form "Catharina" and the English form "Katherine" or "Katharine".

The name first gained popularity during the late 3rd century AD, when St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr, was venerated for her faith and bravery. She was allegedly a highly educated young woman who converted to Christianity and was subsequently tortured and executed for her beliefs.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the 12th century, when Katharine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England, was born in 1485. She played a significant role in the English Reformation and the annulment of her marriage to Henry VIII led to the establishment of the Church of England.

Another notable figure in history was Katharine Graham, the former publisher of The Washington Post, who was born in 1917 and played a crucial role in the Watergate scandal by publishing the Pentagon Papers. Her unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and freedom of the press earned her widespread respect and admiration.

In the literary world, Katharine Lee Bates, born in 1859, was an American writer and poet best known for her patriotic poem "America the Beautiful". The poem, written in 1893, became a beloved American hymn and a symbol of national pride.

Katharine Hepburn, born in 1907, was a legendary American actress who won four Academy Awards and was celebrated for her independent spirit and unconventional lifestyle. She was a trailblazer in the film industry and her performances in movies such as "The Philadelphia Story" and "The African Queen" remain iconic.

Finally, Katharine Jefferts Schori, born in 1954, made history as the first female Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Her appointment in 2006 was a significant milestone for gender equality and empowerment within the Christian faith.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Katharine was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Katharine, please contact us.

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