Catherine is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'katharos', which means 'pure' or 'innocent'. It was originally a Greek adjective used to describe someone who was pure in heart and spirit.
The name Catherine became popular during the Middle Ages through the influence of St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was reputedly wheel-bound but unharmed by her tormentors until she prayed to God to assist her. Her miraculous deliverance inspired many people to adopt her name as their own.
Over time, various forms and spellings of the name Catherine have emerged, such as Kathryn, Cathy, Cate, and Katie. Each of these variations retains the original meaning of 'pure' or 'innocent', reflecting the virtue and innocence that the name has come to represent throughout history.
Catherine has been a popular choice for parents in many different cultures and countries, and it is often associated with elegance, intelligence, and strength. However, it's important to note that the name Cather does not appear to be a recognized variant or spelling of Catherine, so its origin, meaning, and history are unclear without additional context.
Based on the statistics provided, it's interesting to observe the popularity of the name Cather over time in the United States.
In the early-to-mid 20th century, there was a consistent but relatively low occurrence of the name Cather. Between 1915 and 1938, there were only five years where more than one child was given this name each year:
* In 1915, the name was bestowed upon six newborns.
* Five births followed in 1931, 1932, and 1935 respectively.
* Another peak occurred in 1938 with six births.
Overall, during this period, a total of 27 babies were named Cather. This data suggests that while the name was not extremely popular, it was still present among the naming choices for parents during these years.