Catalina

Meaning & origin

Catalina is a perennial Spanish classic that has been steadily rising in the United States since the 1980s. First recorded in the U.S. in 1893, the name reached its peak rank of 111 in 2025, with about 1 in 654 baby girls receiving it. Its upward trajectory, especially since 1986, mirrors a growing appreciation for romantic, vowel-rich names. Catalina is most popular in Nevada, Texas, and California, states with large Hispanic populations. The name's connection to the Greek-derived Katherine gives it a sense of timelessness, while its Spanish flair distinguishes it from the more common English forms. Parents drawn to names like Isabella or Sofia will find Catalina a familiar yet distinctive choice with a melodic, four-syllable rhythm.

Catalina is the Spanish and Catalan form of the Greek name Aikaterine, which became Katherine in English. The name's meaning is traditionally associated with 'pure', though the exact etymology of the Greek original is debated. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr, and gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries through her veneration. In the United States, Catalina has been in use since the 19th century, often linked to the island of Santa Catalina off the coast of California.