Kathryn is a feminine given name of English origin that has been in use for centuries. It is derived from the Middle English name Katherine, which itself comes from the Greek name Katerina, meaning "pure" or "clear". The name was popularized during the Middle Ages through the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was a Christian martyr in the 4th century.
The name Kathryn has been used consistently throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Kathryn Bigelow, an American film director and producer known for her Academy Award-winning films "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty," as well as Kathryn Smith, the first female coach in NFL history. This indicates that the name has a strong historical precedent and continues to be popular today.
In terms of its meaning, Kathryn carries the same significance as Katherine - purity or clarity. It is often associated with qualities such as honesty, integrity, and innocence. Throughout literature and art, characters named Kathryn are often portrayed as intelligent, determined, and virtuous individuals.
Overall, Kathryn is a timeless name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its association with notable figures and its positive connotations make it a popular choice for parents looking to give their daughters a strong and enduring name.
The name Kathryn has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. It first appeared in the Social Security Administration's baby name data in 1882 with only 7 births recorded that year.
Over the next few decades, its popularity grew steadily, reaching a peak of 34 births in 1922 and 57 births in 1948. However, it then began to decline significantly, dropping to just 6 births in 2009, 7 births in 2011, and 6 births in 2018.
Despite this decline, Kathryn has still been given to a total of 3,172 babies over the years. This shows that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Kathryn is still a name that parents choose for their daughters.
It's interesting to note that Kathryn's popularity seems to have been influenced by historical events and societal trends. For example, its peak in popularity during the 1920s and 1940s coincides with the post-World War I and II baby boom eras. However, as times changed and new names gained popularity, Kathryn began to fall out of favor.
Nonetheless, Kathryn remains a classic name with a rich history. It's possible that its popularity may start to rise again in the future, as many parents today are looking for unique and vintage-inspired names for their children. Only time will tell whether Kathryn will make a comeback!