Catherine is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "pure" or "innocent". The name Catherine is derived from the Greek word 'katharos', which translates to pure, clear or transparent.
The name Catherine has been used throughout history and is often associated with prominent historical figures such as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was tortured and killed for her faith in the 4th century. Catherine's popularity as a given name can be attributed to this saint and the numerous other famous individuals throughout history who have shared the name.
Today, Catherine remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet timeless name for their daughters. It is often shortened to Kathy or Kate, providing additional nickname options for those who prefer a more casual moniker. Despite its centuries-old origins, Catherine continues to be a beloved and widely-used name that is sure to stand the test of time.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Catherine in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Looking at the data, we can observe several trends:
* The number of births with the name Catherine varied significantly over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of annual births ranged between approximately 600 to 2,800.
* There was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Catherine around the 1950s. The highest peak occurred in 1955 with 11,636 births, followed by another peak in 1952 with 11,053 births.
* After reaching its peak in the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Catherine declined steadily. By the early 21st century, the number of annual births with this name had fallen to around 1,000.
* In recent years, the number of births with the name Catherine has continued to decrease, reaching a low of 928 births in 2023.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there were 665,832 births with the name Catherine in the United States. These statistics illustrate how the popularity of a name can change over time and provide insight into naming trends during different eras.