Meaning of the name Katherine

Katherine originates in Greek language and means "chaste, pure". It has been one of the most popular feminine given names over centuries and with various spellings all around the world. Historically, it was a favourite name especially in Christian world. Katherine is the name of many saints, the most popular probably being Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century martyr. It was also a popular name within royalty in different countries. The variant spelling Catherine is also very frequent.

KATH--rin/KATH-rin

Girl

Greek

Chaste, pure

KAETHerIHN

Girl

Greek

This name may come from the Greek for 'pure' or 'of the two'. It has many variations and can be shortened to Kat or Katie. It is largely used in the English language.

KATH-rin, KATH-er-rin

Girl

Greek

pure

English

From the Greek name Αἰκατερίνη (Aikaterine). The etymology is debated: it could derive from an earlier Greek name Ἑκατερινη (Hekaterine), itself from ἑκάτερος (hekateros) meaning "each of the two"; it could derive from the name of the goddess Hecate; it could be related to Greek αἰκία (aikia) meaning "torture"; or it could be from a Coptic name meaning "my consecration of your name". In the early Christian era it became associated with Greek καθαρός (katharos) meaning "pure", and the Latin spelling was changed from Katerina to Katharina to reflect this.The name was borne by a semi-legendary 4th-century saint and martyr from Alexandria who was tortured on a spiked wheel. The saint was initially venerated In Syria, and returning crusaders introduced the name to Western Europe. It has been common In England since the 12th century In many different spellings, with Katherine and Catherine becoming standard In the later Middle Ages. To this day both spellings are regularly used In the English-speaking world. In the United States the spelling Katherine has been more popular since 1973.Famous bearers of the name include Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century mystic, and Catherine de' Medici, a 16th-century French queen. It was also borne by three of Henry VIII's wives, including Katherine of Aragon, and by two empresses of Russia, including Catherine the Great.

Girl

/ˈkæθ.ə.ɹɪn/, /ˈkæθ.ɹɪn/  

Boy, Girl

Greek

Pure

Girl

Greek

Pure, Virginal

Girl

Greek,Roman

Katherine is a Greek name and means Pure