Katherine is a feminine given name of Greek origin that means "pure" or "clear". It is derived from the Greek word "katharos", which translates to "clean" or "innocent".
The name Katherine has been popular throughout history, particularly in Europe. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr who is revered as a saint by various Christian denominations.
In literature, the name Katherine appears in several works, such as William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre". The popularity of these literary characters may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal.
Today, Katherine remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. It is often shortened to Kathy, Katie, or Kate, depending on personal preference. Variations of the name include Kathryn, Catharine, and Kathleen.
Overall, Kather
In the United States, the name Katherine was given to five babies in 1979 according to public data available through the Social Security Administration's database of baby names. This represents a birth rate of approximately one occurrence per million births that year.