Katherine Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Katherine

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name KATHERINE. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Katherine

Gender

Female

Origin

Christian

Lucky Number

Meaning of the Name

Katherine means 'pure' and has been used since early Christian times. The name reflects qualities of clarity, innocence, and spiritual cleanliness valued in Christian tradition.

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Sun

Positive Nature

Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.

Negative Traits

Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.

Lucky Colours

Red, orange, gold.

Lucky Days

Sunday.

Lucky Stones

Ruby, garnet.

Harmony Numbers

2, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.

What People Like About You

Courage, determination, leadership.

Famous People Named Katherine

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia

Modernized Russian empire and expanded territories during 34-year reign

Katherine Hepburn

Actress

Most Academy Awards for Best Actress (4) in Hollywood history

Catherine de' Medici

Queen of France

Influential political leader during French Wars of Religion

Katherine Johnson

Mathematician

Critical calculations for NASA's early space missions including Apollo moon landing

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Ekaterina Russian Catalina Spanish Katharina German Caterina Italian Katarzyna Polish Katrien Dutch Catherine French/English Katerina Greek

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Katherine's cultural significance spans nearly two millennia, beginning with early Christian martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose story of faith and intellect captured medieval imagination. As her cult spread across Europe through trade routes and Crusader returns, the name became associated with learned women and steadfast faith. During the Middle Ages, Katherine ranked among the most popular female names in England, its prestige enhanced by royal bearers like Katherine of Aragon, whose marriage to Henry VIII shaped English history. The name's variations multiplied across languages, each culture adapting it while preserving its core meaning of purity and clarity. In Russian culture, Ekaterina became synonymous with imperial power through Catherine the Great, while in English literature, Katherines from Shakespeare's shrew to Brontë's tragic heroine demonstrated the name's versatility in representing complex female characters. The name's enduring appeal across centuries and cultures testifies to its unique combination of spiritual depth, intellectual association, and timeless elegance that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.

Extended Personality Analysis

The name Katherine evokes expectations of intelligence, strength, and refined character. Women with this name are often perceived as naturally authoritative yet approachable, combining traditional values with modern thinking. There's an expectation of academic capability and articulate expression, likely influenced by the name's association with learned saints and historical figures known for their intellectual contributions. Katherines are typically seen as reliable and principled individuals who maintain high personal standards while showing compassion toward others. The name suggests a personality that balances dignity with warmth, capable of leadership while remaining connected to those they lead. Many perceive Katherines as having innate resilience—the ability to face challenges with grace and emerge stronger, reflecting the martyr's fortitude associated with the name's origins. This combination of strength, intelligence, and emotional depth creates a personality profile that is both commanding and nurturing, making Katherine a name that carries significant positive expectations across social and professional contexts.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Katherine maintains its status as a classic choice that appeals to parents seeking both tradition and versatility. While no longer dominating top name lists as it did in previous decades, it remains consistently popular across English-speaking countries, typically ranking within the top 200 names. The various spellings—Katherine, Catherine, Kathryn—allow for personalization while preserving the name's essential character. Modern usage often involves creative nicknames (Kate, Katie, Kat, Kitty) that provide casual alternatives to the formal name. The name's strong professional connotations make it appealing to career-minded parents, while its literary and historical associations attract those valuing cultural depth. Recent trends show Katherine being used as a middle name more frequently, pairing well with more modern first names. Its steady popularity reflects its ability to feel both timeless and contemporary, avoiding the extremes of being either overly common or unusually eccentric.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Katherine represents the triumph of purity and intellect over adversity, drawing from the legend of Saint Catherine of Alexandria who defeated pagan philosophers through wisdom and faith. The name embodies the concept of clarity—both in the sense of moral transparency and intellectual lucidity. The Catherine wheel, both as martyrdom instrument and festive firework, symbolizes the transformation of suffering into celebration, of destruction into beautiful patterns. This duality makes Katherine a name rich in metaphorical meaning: it suggests someone who can find order in chaos, beauty in difficulty, and wisdom in challenge. The name also carries royal symbolism through its association with queens and empresses, representing dignified authority and governance. In psychological terms, Katherine symbolizes integrated femininity—the combination of strength and gentleness, tradition and innovation, personal conviction and social grace that creates a complete and compelling individual.

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