Kathryn is a name of English origin, derived from the Greek name "Catherine," which means "pure" or "innocent." The name has been popular throughout history and has many variations around the world, including Caitlin, Catherine, Katrina, Katie, and Kate.
The name Kathryn first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, brought over by the Normans who invaded Britain in 1066. It quickly became a favored name among the nobility and was often given to daughters of prominent families.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Kathryn can be found in the historical chronicles of Matthew Paris, who mentioned a certain "Katerine de Fontaines" in his works written around 1250. Throughout the centuries that followed, many notable figures bore this name, including Kathryn Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII and one of his most beloved consorts.
Today, Kathryn remains a popular name in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It is often given to daughters as a way of honoring family tradition or simply because parents appreciate its elegant sound and rich history.
In literature and popular culture, Kathryn has been used as a character's name in various works, including the novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (as one of Elizabeth Bennet's sisters) and the TV series "Charmed" (played by actress Rose McGowan). This further contributes to its enduring popularity and recognition.
The name Kathryn has been a relatively popular choice among parents in the United States since at least the late 19th century. Between 1898 and 2009, there were a total of 1092 births registered with the name Kathryn.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time. In the early years recorded (1898-1934), the number of babies named Kathryn ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 14 births per year. This period saw several peaks in popularity, with years like 1926, 1930, and 1935 seeing more than 10 births each.
From the mid-1930s onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Kathryn. The highest point during this time was reached in 1986 with 35 births, which remained the peak for the name until the end of the recorded period.
However, after 1986, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. From 1987 onwards, the number of babies named Kathryn fell below 25 each year. This downward trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with only a handful of births per year being registered as Kathryn.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, it's clear that Kathryn has been a well-loved name throughout much of the 20th century in the United States. Its enduring appeal can be seen in its consistent appearance among the baby naming records over several decades.