Rising since 1986, #1,896 for girls today.
Popularity of Catarina since 1888
Babies named Catarina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 28 |
| 1900s | 70 |
| 1910s | 154 |
| 1920s | 233 |
| 1930s | 187 |
| 1940s | 135 |
| 1950s | 113 |
| 1960s | 143 |
| 1970s | 136 |
| 1980s | 209 |
| 1990s | 614 |
| 2000s | 689 |
| 2010s | 654 |
| 2020s | 594 |
Meaning & origin
Catarina has been in use in the United States since at least 1888, but only recently gained notable traction. After a period of relative obscurity, the name began rising in popularity in 1986 and reached its peak rank in 2023. Currently ranked 1896th, it is given to approximately 1 in every 15,605 newborns. The name is especially well-liked in states like Iowa, Massachusetts, and Florida, reflecting a broader preference for European-derived names with a feminine, melodic quality. Its steady ascent suggests a growing appreciation for its international flair and classic roots.
Catarina is a Romance-language form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The name's meaning has been associated with the Greek katharos, meaning 'pure,' since the early Christian era. The spelling Catarina is standard in Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Galician, and has been borne across the Iberian Peninsula and Italy for centuries.
Where Catarina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Catarina” around the world
Where Catarina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cata, Rina, Cathy, Kat
Sibling names for Catarina
Names that share Catarina's style, for a brother or sister.
