MallowbyNames

Katharyn

KATH-uh-rin · A variant spelling of Katherine, meaning 'pure'.

Peak popularity
1881
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Katharyn since 1881

Babies named Katharyn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1987, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Katharyn's real moment was 1881.

122436192019602000Most births 1987Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s27
1890s46
1900s52
1910s166
1920s124
1930s70
1940s115
1950s140
1960s91
1970s115
1980s269
1990s257
2000s130
2010s12
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Katharyn is a rare and distinctive spelling of the classic name Katherine. First recorded in 1881, it has never achieved widespread popularity and remains an uncommon choice. Its peak year was 1881, and its trajectory has been stable, meaning it has not seen significant spikes or declines in usage. Unlike some variants, Katharyn does not appear in any top state rankings, reflecting its rarity across the country. This spelling offers a unique twist on a timeless name, appealing to parents who prefer a less conventional form.

Katharyn is a variant spelling of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterinē. The ultimate origin is uncertain, but it has long been associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure'. The name was popularized by early Christian saints, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and has been used in various forms across Europe. Katharyn represents a less common English variant, especially from the 19th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kathy, Kate, Kat, Ryn

Variants: Katherine, Catherine, Katharine, Kathryn, Katheryn

Sibling names for Katharyn

Names that share Katharyn's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Katharyn, our favorite little girl.

K is for Katharyn…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Katharyn's letter becomes Katharyn's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Katharyn's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Katharyn mean?
Katharyn is a variant spelling of Katherine, which is traditionally interpreted as meaning 'pure' from the Greek word katharos.
How popular is Katharyn today?
Katharyn is not currently ranked in the top 1000 names in the United States. Its peak usage was in 1881, when it first appeared in the Social Security records, though it has always been uncommon.
Is Katharyn a girl's name?
Yes, Katharyn is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.