Declining since 1985, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Katharine since 1880
Babies named Katharine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1982, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Katharine's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 896 |
| 1890s | 1,297 |
| 1900s | 1,246 |
| 1910s | 2,854 |
| 1920s | 2,572 |
| 1930s | 1,724 |
| 1940s | 2,789 |
| 1950s | 3,712 |
| 1960s | 3,114 |
| 1970s | 3,848 |
| 1980s | 7,860 |
| 1990s | 5,315 |
| 2000s | 2,881 |
| 2010s | 915 |
| 2020s | 207 |
Meaning & origin
Katharine is a classic Latinate spelling of Katherine that has a long history in English-speaking countries. Despite its low current rank of 4,878 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 59,528 babies receiving the name, it peaked in 1880 when it was most frequently recorded. The name has been on a declining trajectory since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional spellings. Nevertheless, Katharine remains a distinguished choice, associated with royalty and literary figures.
Katharine is a Latinate spelling of Katherine, derived from the Greek name Aikaterinē. The name's meaning is uncertain, but it has long been associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure'. Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr, popularized the name across Europe. The spelling Katharine has been used in English since the 16th century, notably in the royal family.
Where Katharine 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: Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kat, Kittie
Sibling names for Katharine
Names that share Katharine's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Katharine
Names whose popularity has moved with Katharine's over the last 50 years.
