Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Catharine since 1880
Babies named Catharine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Catharine's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 478 |
| 1890s | 801 |
| 1900s | 1,117 |
| 1910s | 2,086 |
| 1920s | 1,643 |
| 1930s | 844 |
| 1940s | 1,012 |
| 1950s | 1,387 |
| 1960s | 1,074 |
| 1970s | 777 |
| 1980s | 705 |
| 1990s | 550 |
| 2000s | 337 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Catharine is a classic spelling variant of Katherine that enjoyed its greatest popularity in the late 19th century, peaking in 1883 when it was one of the most common names for girls. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, and it has not appeared in the top 1,000 names in recent decades. The name's first recorded use in U.S. Social Security data dates to 1880, the earliest year of available records. Despite its decline, Catharine retains a certain vintage charm, evoking the elegance of an earlier era. Parents who choose this spelling often appreciate its historical resonance and its connection to the many notable women named Catherine throughout history, from saints to queens.
Catharine is a variant of Katherine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The name's meaning is uncertain, but folk etymology associates it with the Greek katharos, meaning 'pure.' It was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr, which spread the name across Europe. The spelling Catharine was common in English-speaking countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Where Catharine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cathy, Cate, Cath, Kit, Rina
Sibling names for Catharine
Names that share Catharine's style, for a brother or sister.
