Declining since 1985, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Cathryn since 1882
Babies named Cathryn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 74 |
| 1890s | 183 |
| 1900s | 242 |
| 1910s | 981 |
| 1920s | 1,187 |
| 1930s | 798 |
| 1940s | 1,637 |
| 1950s | 3,271 |
| 1960s | 2,015 |
| 1970s | 1,352 |
| 1980s | 1,524 |
| 1990s | 1,451 |
| 2000s | 1,022 |
| 2010s | 492 |
| 2020s | 103 |
Meaning & origin
Cathryn is a phonetic spelling variant of Catherine that first appeared in U.S. records in 1882. Its peak popularity occurred in 1952, reflecting the mid-century vogue for both classic Catherine and its many spellings. Since 1985, usage has been steadily falling; in 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in every 200,908 newborns, making it a rare choice. The spelling offers a streamlined alternative to Katherine or Catherine while retaining the familiar nickname Cathy. No state recorded Cathryn among its top names, indicating its usage is spread thinly across the country. Parents today may be drawn to its vintage feel without the top-100 popularity of Catherine.
Cathryn is a spelling variant of Catherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The etymology is uncertain, but it has been associated with Greek katharos 'pure' since early Christian times. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world via Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr. The 'Cathryn' spelling emerged in the 19th century as a phonetic alternative, reflecting a trend of simplified or individualized spellings.
Where Cathryn 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, Cat, Ryn
Sibling names for Cathryn
Names that share Cathryn's style, for a brother or sister.
