The name Katniss is a unique and modern choice for a baby girl, gaining popularity largely due to its association with the strong and resilient protagonist Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' bestselling "The Hunger Games" series. Pronounced as kat-nis (/'kæt.nɪs/), this name exudes a sense of bravery and independence. Though not widely used, its occurrence has seen notable spikes, particularly in the years following the release of the "Hunger Games" movies, with 2014 marking its highest rank at 3923 in the United States. The name Katniss offers a fresh alternative to more traditional names and carries with it connotations of courage and determination. An alternative spelling variation is Katnisse, though it remains less common.