Katherine

How to say it

/ˈkæθ.ə.rɪn/

What it means

Greek katharos, 'pure.' Saint Catherine of Alexandria (the wheel) is the medieval anchor. The Catherine/Katherine/Kathryn spelling tree is one of English's deepest.

Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterinē, traditionally analyzed as built on katharos ('pure') — though the original Greek may instead trace to Hecate, the moon goddess. Saint Catherine of Alexandria (a 4th-century scholar martyred on a spiked wheel) gave the medieval cult its central figure; Catherine wheels (the firework and the architectural ornament) are both named for her. Three of Henry VIII's six wives were Catherines (Aragon, Howard, Parr). Catherine the Great of Russia ruled 1762-1796. The spelling tree is unusually wide: Katherine, Catherine, Kathryn, Katharine, Catharina, Caterina. Each carries slight signal. The nickname tree is just as deep: Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kat, Cathy, Trina, Karina.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  Katherine, Catherine, Kathryn, and Katharine all carry slightly different signals (Catherine reads more European, Kathryn more mid-century American, Katherine the most flexible). Pick before the birth certificate.

• Nickname

  Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kat, Cathy, Trina, and the European Karina all circulate. Kate has the longest run as standalone.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Saint Catherine of Alexandria 4th-century martyred scholar, namesake of Catherine wheels
• Catherine the Great Empress of Russia 1762-1796, the longest-ruling female Russian monarch
• Catherine Middleton Princess of Wales, Prince William's wife (Catherine spelling)
• Katharine Hepburn Four-time Best Actress Oscar winner, the most-awarded acting Oscar holder

Spelling variants

• Catherine
• Kathryn
• Katharine
• Caterina

Names with the same feeling

• Elizabeth God is my oath
• Victoria Victory
• Charlotte Free woman
• Margaret Pearl

See Katherine from another angle