Kathren is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. Derived from the ancient Irish name Cathrina, which is itself derived from the Latin name Katherine, Kathren means "pure" or "clear." The name has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was brought to Ireland by Viking settlers.
In Irish mythology, Cathrina is often associated with the goddess Cathadb, who was known for her beauty and wisdom. As such, the name has long been considered to be one of great strength and intelligence. Throughout history, many notable figures have borne variations of this name, including Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of England's King Henry VIII, and Katherine Johnson, the American mathematician whose groundbreaking work at NASA paved the way for manned spaceflight.
Today, Kathren remains a relatively uncommon but nonetheless striking choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Cathryn or Katheryn, but its unique Irish origin and timeless meaning make it stand out among other names with similar spellings.
In summary, Kathren is an Irish female given name that means "pure" or "clear." With a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and notable figures throughout history who have borne variations of this name, Kathren is a distinctive choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Kathren has a fascinating history of popularity and usage in the United States, as evidenced by these annual birth statistics spanning over a century.
In the early 20th century, between 1915 and 1938, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Kathren. The years with the highest number of births were 1921 with 15 births and 1947 with 17 births. However, during this period, it was clear that the name was not as commonly used compared to later years.
The 1940s and 1950s saw a significant increase in popularity for the name Kathren. The decade of the 1950s alone had 127 births, with the highest year being 1956 at 26 births. This period marked a turning point in the usage of the name.
The trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with annual birth numbers ranging from single digits to double digits. The peak years were 1963 with 18 births and 1972 with 11 births. Even after the 1970s, there continued to be consistent usage of the name Kathren, although at a lower frequency.
In more recent times, from the 1980s onwards, the name Kathren has experienced periods of increased popularity followed by declines. For instance, the years 1981 and 2000 saw 18 births each, while other years in this period had fewer than 10 births.
Overall, the total number of babies named Kathren in the United States from 1915 to 2012 is 947. This demonstrates that despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Kathren has maintained a consistent presence among baby names throughout the decades.