Katherin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Katherin has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Katherin

A feminine name of Greek origin meaning "pure" or "clear".

Popularity of Katherin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Katherin is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 33 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katherin.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024033
2023043
2022039
2021038
2020038
2019042
2018040
2017038
2016054
2015049
2014049
2013044
2012043
2011071
2010060
2009090
2008071
2007069
2006091
2005065
2004094
2003063
2002061
2001065
2000051
1999052
1998060
1997042
1996038
1995044
1994055
1993047
1992060
1991042
1990055
19890277
1988043
1987036
1986037
1985033
1984026
1983034
1982037
1981033
1980021
1979034
1978028
1977020
1976024
1975022

The history of the first name Katherin

The name Katherin has its origins in the Greek language, derived from the word "katharos," which means "pure" or "clear." It is a variant spelling of the more common name Katherine, which itself is a feminine form of the masculine name Katharios.

The name first gained popularity in the early Christian era, particularly among Greek-speaking communities. It was often associated with virtues of purity and innocence, which aligned with the religious connotations of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Katherin can be found in the Greek martyrology, which mentions a Saint Katherin of Alexandria, who lived in the 4th century AD. According to legend, she was a highly educated and virtuous young woman who was martyred for her Christian faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximinus Daia.

In the Middle Ages, the name Katherin gained widespread popularity across Europe, particularly in England and France. It was often used by noble families and was associated with refinement and grace.

One notable bearer of the name was Katherin of Aragon (1485-1536), the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Despite her eventual divorce and the tumultuous events surrounding her marriage, Katherin was renowned for her piety, intelligence, and unwavering devotion to her faith.

Another famous Katherin was Katherin Parr (1512-1548), the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII. She was a highly educated and influential figure in the English Reformation, playing a significant role in promoting the translation of the Bible into English.

In the realm of literature, the name Katherin is associated with one of the most beloved characters in Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew." Katherin, known as the "Shrew," is the headstrong and fiery-tempered daughter of a wealthy landowner, whose strong will and sharp tongue are ultimately tamed by her husband, Petruchio.

In the world of science, Katherin Blodgett (1898-1979) was a pioneering American scientist who made significant contributions to the field of surface chemistry. She was the first woman to receive a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge and was awarded numerous honors for her groundbreaking research.

Throughout history, the name Katherin has maintained its association with purity, grace, and strength of character. Its enduring popularity across different cultures and time periods is a testament to the timeless appeal of this beautiful and meaningful name.

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 Katherin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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