Katharina

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What does the baby name Katharina mean? Learn about what Katharina means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Katharina - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Katharina
K-A-T-H-A-R-I-N-A, is a 9-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Katharina
kah tah REE nah
Meaning of Katharina
Pure.
Origin of Katharina
The name 'Katharina' finds its roots in ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek name 'Aikaterinē', which in turn was derived from the Greek goddess Hecate, who was associated with magic, witchcraft, and the moon. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE, making it a name with a rich history.
Austrian Names
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Popularity of Katharina
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Katharina' has seen its fair share of fluctuations. In ancient Greece, it was a name commonly given to noble and influential women. However, during the Middle Ages, the name experienced a decline in popularity due to the association with the infamous Catherine de' Medici, who was known for her ruthless political strategies.
Katharina currently has 1 like, and is in the top 21% of liked girl's names. The name Abeke is slightly more popular than Katharina.

Etymology of Katharina

The linguistic roots of the name 'Katharina' lie in the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure' or 'clear'. This etymology reflects the qualities that the name has come to represent - purity, clarity, and strength.

Cultural Significance of Katharina

The name 'Katharina' holds particular significance in various cultural contexts. In German-speaking countries, it is associated with the iconic character 'Katharina' von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther and a symbol of the Protestant Reformation. In Russian literature, the name is immortalized in Fyodor Dostoevsky 's novel 'The Idiot', where the character Nastasya Filippovna is also known as 'Katharina'. These cultural references highlight the enduring impact of the name across different societies.