Catriona

Caitrìona is one of several Gaelic forms of Catherine; it’s more the Scottish who have a history of using Caitrìona (whereas the Irish have a history of using Caitlín while the English have traditionally used Katherine). The name was brought to the British Isles in the 11th century by way of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Norman-French version of Catherine was Cateline, so one is easily able to see how Gaelic speakers formed Caitriona and Caitlin from the same source. The etymology of Catherine is debated, but the earliest derivative of the name is most likely the Greek Hekaterine, stemming from “hekateros” meaning “the far reaching one”, suggesting that Catherine shares her roots with the Greek Titan goddess Hekátē (Hecate). In ancient Greek mythology, the Titans were overthrown by their descendent Olympian gods and goddesses, yet Zeus held Hecate in such high regard, he allowed her to remain and preserve her magical powers over humanity. Mythologies around Hecate vary greatly (as do many ancient legends). See literary references under the name Catherine for more information on Hecate. The “h” in Katerine was added much later in order to connect the name with the Greek “katharos” meaning “pure, clear, innocent”. This Christian-driven folk etymology is apropos given the influence of a 4th century saint, Catherine of Alexandria, Egypt, who was held in high regard among medieval Europeans for her ideals of innocence and purity (see historical references below). Once the Celts were introduced to the cult of St. Catherine of Alexandria, they immediately took to her story and embraced the name. Catriona is one of the more obscure versions of Catherine, mostly isolated to the United Kingdom and Ireland where people of Gaelic ancestry claim interest.