Kathrene is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is associated with purity and innocence. The name is derived from the Greek word "katharos," which means "pure" or "clear." In ancient Greece, the name was often used to describe someone who was pure in thought, word, and deed.
The history of the name Kathrene can be traced back to classical antiquity. It was used as a feminine form of the Greek male name Katherine, which was popularized by the 4th-century saint Catherine of Alexandria. Over time, various spellings and variations of the name have emerged, including Kathryn, Cathryn, and Kathleen.
Today, Kathrene is still considered a classic and timeless name for girls. Despite its roots in ancient Greece, it remains popular in many countries around the world. Parents may choose this name for their daughters due to its positive connotations with purity and innocence, as well as its elegant and sophisticated sound. Additionally, its unique spelling sets it apart from other variations of the same name.
In literature and popular culture, Kathrene has been used as a character's name in several works. For example, it appears in the novel "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper. However, its usage remains relatively rare compared to more common spellings like Kathryn or Kathleen. Nonetheless, Kathrene continues to be a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents seeking a distinctive and significant name for their daughters.
The name Kathrene has been given to a total of 179 babies in the United States over the past century, according to the available data from 1916 to 1994. The popularity of this name fluctuated throughout the years, with periods of higher and lower usage.
In the early part of the 20th century, Kathrene was given to between five and nine babies each year, with peaks in 1919 (7 births) and 1925 (9 births). However, it seems that this name fell out of favor for a few decades, as there were no recorded births with the name Kathrene between 1936 and 1945.
The name made a comeback in the mid-20th century, with seven or more babies named Kathrene each year from 1946 to 1958. The highest number of births for this name during this period occurred in 1952, with twelve newborn girls given the name Kathrene.
However, the popularity of Kathrene declined again in the latter half of the century, with only five or six babies named Kathrene each year from 1963 to 1972. There was a brief resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with seven births recorded for both 1979 and 1986. However, the name Kathrene has not been given to any babies in the United States since 1994.
Overall, while Kathrene was a relatively uncommon name throughout most of the past century, it did experience periods of popularity, particularly in the mid-20th century.