Katharina is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the word "katharos," which means "pure" or "innocent." The name has been widely used in various forms across different cultures throughout history.
In ancient Greece, Katharos was an adjective used to describe something that was pure or clean. It was also associated with the goddess Hestia, who represented purity and domesticity. Over time, this word evolved into a female given name, Katherine, which became popular during the Middle Ages in Europe.
The name Katharina has been worn by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was allegedly tortured on a breaking wheel for her faith in the 4th century. Despite this cruel punishment, legend has it that the wheel miraculously shattered upon touching her body. Her feast day is celebrated on November 25th.
Another notable figure bearing the name Katharina is Empress Catherine I of Russia, born Marta Helena Skavronska. She was a former servant who became the mistress and eventually the wife of Peter the Great. After his death in 1725, she assumed the throne as regent for their son Peter II until her own death three years later.
Today, Katharina remains a popular name across many countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its timeless meaning and elegant sound. Whether spelled with an 'h' or without, this classic name continues to captivate parents seeking a meaningful and beautiful moniker for their daughters.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe the trend of the number of births with the name Katharina in the United States over time.
From 1881 to 1946, the number of births with the name Katharina fluctuated between a low of 5 and a high of 10. The highest number during this period was recorded in 1921 with 12 births.
However, starting from 1949, we see an increase in the number of births with the name Katharina. In fact, there is a significant jump from 6 births in 1949 to 10 births in 1950, and this trend continues throughout the rest of the century.
The highest number of births with the name Katharina was recorded in 1988 and 1989, both years having 38 births. This marks a significant peak compared to previous decades.
After reaching its peak, the popularity of the name Katharina starts to decline gradually but steadily. From 1990 onwards, the number of births with this name ranges between a low of 24 in 2009 and a high of 58 in 1991 and 1993.
In recent years, from 2011 to 2022, the popularity of the name Katharina has continued to decline, with an average of around 20 births per year. The most recent data shows that there were 10 births in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Katharina has not been one of the most popular names in the United States over time, it has seen periods of higher popularity, particularly during the late twentieth century. However, its popularity has been declining in recent years.