Kathryn
/ˈkæθ.ɹɪn/
Kathryn is an anglicized spelling variant of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated: possibly from the Greek katharos (“pure”) or from the name of the Greek goddess Hekate.
The Latin Church associated it with katharos, cementing the “pure” meaning.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria (early 4th century) was one of the most venerated Christian martyrs of late antiquity. Her feast day, Catherine wheels, and countless churches bear the name, spreading it across Catholic Europe.
What the name Kathryn means
Kathryn peaked at No. 45 in 1951 with 8,460 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 717 with 391 births, a long steady decline from its mid-century dominance.
Among the many Katherine variants, Kathryn was the preferred American spelling for several decades, particularly in the mid-20th century. It carries a slightly more formal, literary quality than the more common Catherine or Katherine.
Three syllables—KATH-rin—are crisp and authoritative. The distinctive -yn ending and the K opening give it a clean, modern-ish edge compared to the older Catherine.
Parents who choose Kathryn today often appreciate its mid-century gravitas—a name carried by Kathryn Hepburn, Kathryn Bigelow, and numerous professional women of the 20th century.
Related forms in the Katherine family include Catherine, Katherine, Katerina, Katrina, and Karen—all drawing from the same ancient Greek root.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Kathryn
Kathryn - similar names
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