The name Cathrine is a classic and timeless choice for a baby girl. But how popular is Cathrine, and what does it mean? This article delves into the meaning, origin, popularity trends, and alternative names related to Cathrine, offering a comprehensive guide for those considering this beautiful name.
The Meaning and Origin of Cathrine
Cathrine is a variant of the name Catherine, derived from the Greek name Aikaterine (Αικατερίνη). While the etymology of Aikaterine is debated, the most widely accepted meaning is "pure." Over time, the name has been associated with other meanings, including "clear," "unsullied," and "innocent."
The spelling variations of Cathrine add a unique touch to the classic name. While Catherine remains the most common spelling, Cathrine offers a distinctive, slightly more uncommon feel. This can be appealing to parents looking for a name that is both familiar and a little bit different. The Greek origins provide a rich historical backdrop, connecting the name to ancient cultures and traditions.
Cathrine Name Popularity
How popular is the name Cathrine? Let’s explore its historical trends based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The following table shows the name’s rank, number of births, and percentage of births for selected years:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 979 | 5 | 0.0014% |
| 1911 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | 812 | 13 | 0.0026% |
| 1913 | 782 | 18 | 0.0032% |
| 1914 | 881 | 16 | 0.0023% |
| 1915 | 702 | 51 | 0.0056% |
| 1916 | 796 | 38 | 0.0039% |
| 1917 | 729 | 53 | 0.0053% |
| 1918 | 933 | 28 | 0.0026% |
| 1919 | 780 | 46 | 0.0044% |
| 1920 | 709 | 64 | 0.0058% |
| 1921 | 688 | 75 | 0.0065% |
| 1922 | 900 | 34 | 0.0031% |
| 1923 | 782 | 53 | 0.0047% |
| 1924 | 855 | 43 | 0.0037% |
| 1925 | 772 | 53 | 0.0047% |
| 1926 | 849 | 40 | 0.0036% |
| 1927 | 937 | 30 | 0.0027% |
| 1928 | 799 | 44 | 0.0041% |
| 1929 | 871 | 31 | 0.003% |
| 1930 | 836 | 38 | 0.0036% |
| 1931 | 893 | 26 | 0.0026% |
| 1932 | 905 | 26 | 0.0026% |
| 1933 | 801 | 34 | 0.0036% |
| 1934 | 909 | 24 | 0.0025% |
| 1935 | 1,006 | 19 | 0.002% |
| 1936 | 882 | 26 | 0.0027% |
| 1937 | 1,108 | 14 | 0.0014% |
| 1938 | 1,578 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1939 | 1,522 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1940 | 1,580 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1941 | 1,296 | 10 | 0.0009% |
| 1942 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1943 | 1,175 | 17 | 0.0013% |
| 1944 | 1,317 | 11 | 0.0009% |
| 1945 | 1,350 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1946 | 1,238 | 17 | 0.0012% |
| 1947 | 1,145 | 26 | 0.0016% |
| 1948 | 1,061 | 31 | 0.0019% |
| 1949 | 964 | 43 | 0.0027% |
| 1950 | 905 | 55 | 0.0034% |
| 1951 | 893 | 60 | 0.0035% |
| 1952 | 950 | 52 | 0.003% |
| 1953 | 826 | 80 | 0.0045% |
| 1954 | 910 | 67 | 0.0037% |
| 1955 | 776 | 103 | 0.0056% |
| 1956 | 755 | 118 | 0.0062% |
| 1957 | 905 | 80 | 0.0042% |
| 1958 | 808 | 104 | 0.0055% |
| 1959 | 845 | 100 | 0.0053% |
| 1960 | 983 | 72 | 0.0038% |
| 1961 | 887 | 96 | 0.0051% |
| 1962 | 930 | 80 | 0.0044% |
| 1963 | 1,051 | 57 | 0.0032% |
| 1964 | 935 | 77 | 0.0044% |
| 1965 | 1,007 | 59 | 0.0036% |
| 1966 | 1,099 | 47 | 0.003% |
| 1967 | 1,139 | 41 | 0.0027% |
| 1968 | 1,300 | 31 | 0.0021% |
| 1969 | 1,040 | 61 | 0.004% |
| 1970 | 1,343 | 37 | 0.0023% |
| 1971 | 1,434 | 31 | 0.0021% |
| 1972 | 1,584 | 21 | 0.0015% |
| 1973 | 1,403 | 29 | 0.0022% |
| 1974 | 2,019 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1975 | 1,928 | 13 | 0.001% |
| 1976 | 1,814 | 16 | 0.0012% |
| 1977 | 2,195 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1978 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | 2,127 | 13 | 0.0009% |
| 1980 | 1,905 | 19 | 0.0013% |
| 1981 | 2,500 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1982 | 2,387 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1983 | 2,405 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1984 | 2,045 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 1985 | 2,514 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1986 | 2,398 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1987 | 2,233 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 1988 | 2,328 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 1989 | 2,803 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1990 | 2,448 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 1991 | 2,715 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1992 | 2,935 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1993 | 3,838 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1994 | 1,914 | 31 | 0.002% |
| 1995 | 3,686 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | 3,186 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1997 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2002 | 4,022 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2003 | 4,015 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2004 | 3,037 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2005 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2006 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2007 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2009 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2010 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2011 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2012 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2013 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2014 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2015 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2016 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2017 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2018 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2019 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2020 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2021 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2022 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2023 | – | 0 | 0% |
Data via SSA.gov
Analysis of the Data:
- Early 20th Century: The name Cathrine experienced moderate popularity in the early 1900s, with its highest rankings occurring between 1915 and 1921.
- Mid-20th Century Decline: The name gradually declined in popularity throughout the mid-20th century.
- Late 20th Century and Beyond: From the late 1970s onwards, the name saw a significant decrease in usage. In many years since 1978, there were zero recorded births with the name Cathrine, indicating it had fallen out of the top names tracked by the SSA.
This data reveals that while Cathrine was once a reasonably common name, it is now quite rare. This rarity could be a significant draw for parents looking for a unique name that still possesses a classic and recognizable quality.
Variations and Similar Names
One of the great things about the name Cathrine is the wide array of variations and similar-sounding names. This allows parents to explore different options while still maintaining the essence and feel of the original name. Here’s a look at some names that sound like or are similar to Cathrine:
Names That Sound Like Cathrine:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Catarine | Pure | Greek |
| Caterine | Pure | Greek |
| Catharine | Pure | Greek |
| Cathrinn | Pure | Greek |
| Cathryne | Pure | Greek |
| Catrine | Pure | Greek |
| Kathrine | Pure | Greek |
Names Similar to Cathrine:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Caitrine | Pure | Greek |
| Carine | Beloved; friend; maiden | Latin |
| Carrine | Maiden | Greek |
| Catarina | Pure | Greek |
| Caterina | Pure | Greek |
| Cathaline | Pure | Irish |
| Catharin | Pure | Greek |
| Catharina | Pure | Greek |
| Catharyne | Pure | Greek |
| Cathenne | Pure | Greek |
| Catherin | Pure | Greek |
| Catherina | Pure | Greek |
| Catherinn | Pure | Greek |
| Cathirin | Pure | Greek |
| Cathlene | Pure | Greek |
| Cathline | Pure | Greek |
| Cathlyne | Pure | Greek |
| Cathryn | Pure | Greek |
| Cathrynn | Pure | Greek |
| Catrin | Pure | Greek |
| Catrina | Pure | Greek |
| Katharine | Pure | Greek |
| Kathline | Pure | Irish |
| Kathrene | Pure | Greek |
| Kathrina | Pure | Greek |
| Kathryne | Pure | Greek |
| Kathyrine | Pure | Greek |
| Katrine | Pure | Greek |
These variations offer a spectrum of options, from subtle spelling changes to names with slightly different pronunciations. This allows parents to tailor the name to their specific preferences while retaining the classic charm of Cathrine.
Famous Cathrines and Catherines
Throughout history, numerous women with the name Catherine (and its variants) have left their mark. These figures add a sense of history and prestige to the name. Some notable examples include:
- Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia, known for her modernization and expansion of the Russian Empire.
- Catherine of Aragon: The first wife of King Henry VIII of England.
- Catherine Deneuve: A renowned French actress.
- Saint Catherine of Alexandria: A Christian saint and martyr.
While these are primarily Catherines, the shared root and similar sound of Cathrine allows these figures to lend some of their historical weight to the name.
Is Cathrine the Right Name for Your Baby?
Choosing a name for your baby is a deeply personal decision. Cathrine offers a unique blend of classic appeal and distinctive rarity. Its Greek origins and meaning of "pure" provide a beautiful and timeless foundation. While its popularity has waned over the years, this makes it an even more special and individual choice for parents seeking a name that stands out from the crowd. Consider Cathrine if you value history, elegance, and a touch of the uncommon. Ultimately, the best name is the one that resonates most with you and your vision for your child’s future.
