Catherine
/ˈkæθ.ər.ɪn/noun
A female given name of Greek origin.
Did you know?The name Catherine is derived from the Greek 'katharos', meaning 'pure', and has been associated with numerous saints and mystical figures throughout history.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καθαρός (katharos)
“Pure, clean, unblemished.”
Late Latin
Latin
Catherina
“A Latinized form of the Greek name, used in early Christian texts.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Caterina
“Adoption of the name in medieval texts, often associated with saints.”
Old French
Old French
Catherine
“The name entered the Old French lexicon, popularized through the veneration of Saint Catherine.”
Modern English
English
Catherine
“The name became widely used in English-speaking countries after the Norman Conquest, maintaining its association with purity.”