Holding steady.
Popularity of Cathern since 1882
Babies named Cathern per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1930, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cathern's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 29 |
| 1890s | 15 |
| 1900s | 30 |
| 1910s | 162 |
| 1920s | 229 |
| 1930s | 165 |
| 1940s | 144 |
| 1950s | 161 |
| 1960s | 74 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cathern is a rare variant of Katherine that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1882, its peak year, when it was given to a small number of girls. The name has never entered the top 1,000 and remains extremely uncommon, with a stable trajectory showing no recent revival. Unlike the standard Katherine, which has consistently ranked among the most popular names for over a century, Cathern represents a unique spelling choice for parents seeking a distinctive alternative. Its lack of top-state data and low usage highlight its niche appeal.
Cathern is a variant spelling of Katherine, itself derived from the Greek name Aikaterine. The name's association with the early Christian saint Catherine of Alexandria helped spread its use throughout Europe. The 'Cathern' spelling emerged in the 19th century as one of many phonetic variations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cathy, Cat, Cate
Sibling names for Cathern
Names that share Cathern's style, for a brother or sister.
