Katharine
Meaning of Katharine
Katharine is a female name with origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the name Aikaterine, which means "pure" or "clear." Katharine has a rich history and is associated with several notable figures throughout time. One of the most well-known bearers of this name is actress Katharine Hepburn, who was known for her strong-willed and independent nature. Other famous Katherines include author Katherine Mansfield and singer Katherine Jenkins.
The pronunciation of Katharine varies slightly between American English (/ˈkæθərɪn/) and British English (/ˈkæθrɪn/), but both are widely accepted and recognized. Variations of the name include Katherine and Katarina.
In terms of popularity, Katharine has maintained a steady presence over the years. In recent times, it has been less commonly chosen as a baby name, but it still remains a classic choice for many parents. The data for newborns in the United States shows that Katharine ranked around 300-400 in the early 2000s, gradually declining to around 500-600 in more recent years.
Overall, Katharine is a timeless and elegant name with deep roots in history. Its associations with strong and accomplished individuals make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and sophisticated name for their daughter.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as KA-thuh-rin (/ˈkæθrɪn/)
American English
- Pronunced as KATH-uh-rin (/ˈkæθərɪn/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Katharine
| Katharine Houghton Hepburn was a legendary American actress known for her independent spirit and strong-willed on-screen personas, winning four Academy Awards for Best Actress and being named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute. |
| Katharine Ellis Coman was an influential American social activist and professor known for her work at Wellesley College, where she developed new courses in political economy and established a department of economics and sociology. |
| Katharine Hayhoe - Katharine Anne Scott Hayhoe is a Canadian atmospheric scientist and Chief Scientist at the Nature Conservancy. |
| Katharine Martha Houghton Hepburn was a prominent American feminist and suffragist, known for her leadership in the suffrage movement and her involvement in social reform. |
| Katharine Drexel was an American Catholic heiress, philanthropist, religious sister, and educator who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1891 to serve Black and Indigenous Americans. |
| Katharine Dexter McCormick was a prominent U.S. suffragist and philanthropist who played a key role in funding the research for the first birth control pill. |
| Katharine Jefferts Schori is the first woman to be elected as a primate in the Anglican Communion and served as the former Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church of the United States. |
| Katharine Hamnett - Katharine E. Hamnett is a renowned English fashion designer famous for her politically themed T-shirts. |
| Katharine Bouchage Weymouth is an American lawyer and businesswoman who served as publisher of The Washington Post and chief executive officer of Washington Post Media from 2008 to 2014. |
| Katharine Parnell, also known as Katharine O'Shea, was an English woman whose affair with Charles Stewart Parnell caused a scandal and led to his political downfall. |
| Katharine Elliot, Baroness Elliot of Harwood, DBE was a notable British public servant and politician. |
| Katharine Sarah Macquoid was a prolific British novelist and travel writer, known for publishing over 65 works, including the successful novel "A Bad Beginning" and the acclaimed story "Patty." |
| Katharine Mulky Warne was an American composer, pianist, and teacher known for founding the Darius Milhaud Society and organizing festivals to promote his music. |
| Katharine Cotheal Budd (1860–1951) was a pioneering woman architect and author who ran a New York City architectural practice for over three decades and became a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1924. |
| Katharine Frye - Katharine "Kate" Parry Frye was a British actress, lifelong diarist, and suffragist. |
