MallowbyNames

Kathryne

KATH-rin · A respelled variant of Katherine, traditionally meaning "pure" from Greek katharos.

Peak popularity
1886
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1989

Declining since 1989.

Popularity of Kathryne since 1880

Babies named Kathryne per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kathryne's real moment was 1886.

39781171880192019602000Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s118
1890s148
1900s210
1910s729
1920s727
1930s302
1940s526
1950s619
1960s362
1970s338
1980s647
1990s726
2000s348
2010s121
2020s38

Meaning & origin

Kathryne is an unusual spelling variant of the classic Katherine, a name that has been in consistent use in the United States since records began in 1880. Unlike the more common Catherine or Katherine, the Kathryne spelling saw its peak popularity early, in 1886, and has been on a declining trajectory since 1989. The name has never ranked among the top 1000, making it a rare choice. Its staying power, albeit in small numbers, reflects the enduring appeal of names ending in 'yne.' Parents drawn to this spelling may appreciate its vintage feel and the flexibility of nicknames like Kathy or Kate.

Kathryne is an English respelling of Katherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The name's association with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr, popularized it across Christendom. The spelling with 'y' emerged in the 19th century, reflecting a phonetic variant. Though debated, the meaning is traditionally linked to katharos, "pure."

Where Kathryne 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kathy, Kate, Katie, Kat, Kath

Variants: Catherine, Katherine, Kathryn, Cathryn, Katheryn

Sibling names for Kathryne

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

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

K is for Kathryne, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kathryne…”

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

Make Kathryne's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kathryne mean?
Kathryne is a variant of Katherine, which traditionally means "pure" from the Greek katharos, though the exact origin is debated.
How popular is the name Kathryne?
Kathryne has been used since the 1880s, with its peak year being 1886. It has been declining since 1989 and is currently very rare.
Is Kathryne a boy or girl name?
Kathryne is exclusively a girl's name.