Katherina is a Latinate form of Katherine. The name is most famously associated with Shakespeare's comedy The Taming of the Shrew (1593), where Katherina—often called Kate—is the sharp-tongued protagonist whom Petruchio marries and attempts to tame. The spelling Katherina with an initial K and -ina ending gives it a distinctly Latinized, archaic feel, setting it apart from the more common Katherine or Catherine.Etymology and HistoryThe root name Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, whose origin is debated. It may derive from Hekaterine, itself from hekateros meaning 'each of the two', be related to the goddess Hecate, or come from the Coptic meaning 'my consecration of your name'. In the early Christian era, it became associated with the Greek word katharos meaning 'pure', influencing the Latin spelling change from Katerina to Katharina.The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr tortured on a spiked wheel, and crusaders introduced the name to Western Europe. It became common in England from the 12th century. Notable bearers include Catherine of Siena, Catherine de' Medici, and several queens.Cultural SignificanceKatherina is used in English and German cultures. Variants include Catherine, Katharine, and diminutives like Kate, Cathy, or Kat. Other language forms include Katerina (Russian) and Katalin (Hungarian).Meaning: Pure (by later association)Origin: Greek/Latin form of KatherineUsage: English, GermanType: First name