The name Kathrine is derived from the Greek name Katharina, which itself is a combination of the Greek words katharos, meaning "pure", and the name Aikaterine. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 4th century BCE in ancient Greek texts.

In the early Christian era, the name gained popularity due to its association with the martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who lived in the 4th century CE. The legend of Saint Catherine inspired many artistic depictions and literary works throughout the Middle Ages, further spreading the name across Europe.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Kathrine of Siena, an influential philosopher and theologian who lived from 1347 to 1380. She is renowned for her mystical visions and her role in persuading the papacy to return to Rome from Avignon.

In the 16th century, the name was popularized by Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Their daughter, Mary I of England, was also known as Mary Tudor or Bloody Mary, and she reigned as Queen of England from 1553 to 1558.

Another notable bearer of the name was Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia who ruled from 1762 to 1796. She is celebrated for her expansion of the Russian Empire and her patronage of the arts and culture.

In literature, one of the most famous characters bearing the name is Catherine Earnshaw from Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights, published in 1847. The character's tragic love story with Heathcliff has become an enduring literary icon.

Moving into the 20th century, Catherine Deneuve, the renowned French actress known for her roles in films like Belle de Jour and Indochine, was born in 1943 and continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.