Katalina

Meaning & origin

Katalina is a respelled variant of Catalina, itself a Spanish and Portuguese form of Katherine. The name has been in steady use in the United States since it first appeared in records in 1971, but it has seen a notable rise in popularity since 1985. As of 2025, Katalina ranks 430th nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 2,232 births, reaching its peak popularity that same year. The name is most common in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, reflecting its Hispanic cultural roots. While some may see it as a modern twist on a classic, its core meaning of 'pure' connects it to a long tradition of saints and royalty, though the spelling Katalina itself is a more recent innovation. The name's upward trajectory suggests it continues to gain favor among parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar choice.

Katalina is a Spanish and Portuguese variant of Catalina, itself derived from the Greek name Aikaterine. The earliest known form of the name in Greek is 'Hekaterine', which has been associated with the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. The name spread throughout Christian Europe via the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the form Catalina has been common since the Middle Ages, and Katalina represents a respelled variant, especially used in the United States in recent decades.