Find out how popular the first name Kathyrn has been for the last 45 years (from 1974 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kathyrn by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Kathyrn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kathyrn.

The history of the first name Kathyrn

The name Kathryn derives from the Greek name Katharina, a feminine form of the masculine name Katharios, which means "pure" or "innocent." The name's roots can be traced back to the early Christian era and its use in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The earliest known record of the name Katharina dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was used by a Christian saint and martyr, Saint Catherine of Alexandria. This early association with a revered figure helped establish the name's popularity throughout the Byzantine Empire and beyond.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, including Katherina, Katerina, and eventually, the English form Kathryn. One of the earliest recorded instances of this spelling can be found in medieval English records from the 13th century.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Kathryn. One of the most famous was Kathryn Howard (c. 1523-1542), the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England. Her tragic fate, being executed for adultery, has made her a prominent figure in English history.

Another well-known Kathryn was Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-1976), an American evangelist and faith healer who gained widespread recognition for her healing crusades and television ministry in the mid-20th century.

In the realm of literature, Kathryn Stockett (born 1969) is the author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Help," which explores the lives of African American maids and their white employers in the 1960s American South.

The name Kathryn has also been borne by notable figures in science and politics, such as Kathryn D. Sullivan (born 1951), the first American woman to walk in space, and Kathryn Bigelow (born 1951), the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for her film "The Hurt Locker."

While the name Kathryn has endured through centuries, its popularity has fluctuated over time, reflecting changing cultural and societal trends. Nonetheless, its rich history and associations with strength, purity, and resilience have ensured its continued use and appreciation.

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

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

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