Katherine
/ˈkæθ.ə.rɪn/noun
A feminine given name, traditionally associated with purity.
Did you know?Katherine is ultimately tied to Greek Aikaterinē, a name whose exact origin is disputed, but later Christians strongly associated it with Greek katharos, meaning “pure,” giving the name a sacred aura.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Aikaterinē
“A personal name of uncertain origin”
Late Antiquity
Greek
Hekaterinē
“A later form of the name, influenced by folk etymology and saintly tradition”
Early Christianity
Greek
Aikaterinē / Katharē
“Associated with purity through the influence of Greek katharos, “pure””
Middle Ages
Latin / Old French
Katherina / Catherine
“A widespread saint’s name across Christian Europe”
Middle English
English
Katerine / Katherine
“An English feminine given name”
Modern English
English
Katherine
“A common feminine given name”