Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kathryn

Kathryn is a spelling variant of Katherine. It also takes a three-syllable name and turns it into two-syllables. Katherine is the English form of the French name Catherine, which was borne by a popular Christian saint martyred in Alexandria, Egypt in the 4th century, and a favorite in medieval times when the popularity of the name grew (particularly among the French). Saint Catherine of Alexandria, nicknamed 'the pure one,' was a Christian martyr tortured on the wheel for upholding her religious beliefs. The name was associated with the Greek ‘katharos’' meaning 'pure.' Our modern use of the Greek-derived “catharsis,” (to purge or cleanse), also lends to C/Katherine's association with ideas of purity and innocence. We’re not sure when Kathryn came into use as a respelling but it’s been around since at least the 19th century.

All About the Baby Name – Kathryn

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KATHRYN

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KATHRYN

The name Kathryn has sustained high popularity on the U.S. naming charts for longer than we would have expected. Kathryn feels like a more modern respelling of Katherine, but it clearly dates way back to the 19th century if not further. In the past 120 years, Kathryn has averaged as the 80th most popular girl’s name in America. That’s quite an accomplishment! In fact, the name is experiencing its lowest point of usage right now as we enter the 21st century. The more classical names Katherine and Catherine are more popular today than Kathryn. Even Kate, Katie and Katelyn have her beat. Kathryn is more like Kathleen in terms of today’s trends. They just aren’t as timeless as K/Catherine and their not as trendy as Kate, Katie or Katelyn. However, Kathryn is a less pretentious and simpler (two-syllable) version of her big sisters. Really though, Katherine, Catherine or Kathryn – it just comes down to a matter of spelling preference. Catherine is French, Katherine is English and Kathryn is really a newer more modern creation of these two timeless classics.

Quick Facts

ON KATHRYN

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

272

PRONUNCIATION:

KATH-rin

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pure one, innocent

Characteristics

OF KATHRYN

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kathryn

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KATHRYN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kathryn

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KATHRYN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kathryn


Popular Songs

ON KATHRYN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kathryn


Famous People

NAMED KATHRYN

Kathryn Bigelow (film director)
Kathryn Erbe (actress)
Kathryn Grayson (actress/singer)
Kathryn McGuire (silent-film actress)
Kathryn Morris (actress)
Kathryn P. Hire (astronaut)
Kathryn Dwyer Sullivan (astronaut, first American woman to walk in space)
Kathryn C. Thornton (astronaut)
Kathryn Dawn Lang (aka k.d. lang, musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KATHRYN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kathryn

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KATHRYN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kathryn