Find out how popular the first name Katri has been for the last 4 years (from 1982 to 1985) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katri by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Katri is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1985, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katri.

The history of the first name Katri

The name Katri is a Finnish feminine given name derived from the Greek name Katharina, which itself originates from the ancient Greek word "katharos" meaning "pure" or "clear." The name gained widespread popularity in Finland during the Middle Ages when Christianity was introduced to the region.

Katri is a shortened form of the name Katariina, which is the Finnish equivalent of the name Katherine. The earliest recorded use of the name in Finland dates back to the 13th century, where it was commonly given to girls born into noble or wealthy families as a nod to the purity and virtue associated with the name's Greek roots.

One of the earliest notable individuals to bear the name Katri was Katri Vironmäki (c. 1510-1586), a Finnish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the reformation movement in Finland. Her unwavering support for the Lutheran cause and her efforts to promote education and literacy among the Finnish people earned her a place in the annals of Finnish history.

Another prominent figure was Katri Vala (1901-1944), a Finnish author and journalist who was renowned for her novels and short stories that explored the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of the working class in Finland. Her works, such as "Koskenkylän nuori emäntä" (The Young Mistress of Koskenkylä) and "Likamaa" (Mudland), are considered classics of Finnish literature.

In the realm of politics, Katri Hakalehto-Wainio (1872-1935) was a trailblazer, becoming one of the first women elected to the Finnish Parliament in 1907. She was a staunch advocate for women's rights and played a pivotal role in securing universal suffrage for Finnish women.

The name Katri also has a place in the world of sports, with Katri Mattsson (born 1933) being a notable figure. She was a Finnish cross-country skier who won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals in the 1950s and 1960s, cementing her place as one of Finland's greatest athletes of all time.

Lastly, Katri Helena Vala (1901-1944), a Finnish author and journalist, deserves mention for her contributions to Finnish literature. Her novels and short stories, such as "Koskenkylän nuori emäntä" (The Young Mistress of Koskenkylä) and "Likamaa" (Mudland), explored the struggles of the working class and the complexities of human relationships, earning her a place among the celebrated authors of her time.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!