Holding steady.
Popularity of Catriona since 1965
Babies named Catriona per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 97 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 207 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 49 |
Meaning & origin
Catriona is a distinctly Scottish Gaelic name that has seen limited but persistent use in the United States since the first recorded occurrence in 1965. Although it has never entered the top 1000 nationally, it reached its highest point in 1998, perhaps reflecting the lingering influence of its association with literature. With only a few dozen births per year in recent decades, Catriona remains an uncommon choice, maintaining a stable trajectory without dramatic swings. Its absence from top states indicates no strong regional concentration. The name's appeal lies in its melodic rhythm and its strong Scottish cultural identity, making it a meaningful option for families with Scottish heritage.
Catriona is the Scottish Gaelic form of Catherine, ultimately from the Greek Aikaterinē, associated with the word katharos meaning 'pure'. It has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages, though it gained wider recognition through Robert Louis Stevenson's 1893 novel 'Catriona', the sequel to 'Kidnapped'.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cat, Caty, Trina
Sibling names for Catriona
Names that share Catriona's style, for a brother or sister.
