Find out how popular the first name Katniss has been for the last 12 years (from 2012 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katniss by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Katniss is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katniss.

The history of the first name Katniss

The name Katniss is a modern invention, first appearing in the 21st century Hunger Games book series by Suzanne Collins. It is not derived from any known language or culture and has no historical background or references in ancient texts, religious scriptures, or historical records.

As a newly created name, there are no recorded examples or famous individuals bearing the name Katniss prior to the publication of the Hunger Games novels. The name gained widespread recognition and popularity after the release of the first book, "The Hunger Games," in 2008, and the subsequent film adaptations starring Jennifer Lawrence as the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen.

While the name Katniss itself does not have a documented history or etymology, it has been speculated that the author, Suzanne Collins, may have drawn inspiration from the word "catnip" or the plant genus Catmint (Nepeta) when creating the name. However, there is no official confirmation from the author regarding the name's origin or meaning.

Prior to the Hunger Games series, the name Katniss was virtually non-existent and had no recorded usage. Its sudden prominence and widespread recognition are solely attributed to the immense popularity of the Hunger Games novels and films, which have introduced the name to a global audience.

While there may be individuals who have adopted or been given the name Katniss in recent years due to the influence of the Hunger Games franchise, there are no notable historical figures or famous individuals throughout history who have borne this 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 Katniss was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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