EtymologyKatherine is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It derives from the Greek name Αἰκατερίνη (Aikaterine), whose etymology is debated. Possible origins include an earlier Greek name Ἑκατερινη (Hekaterine) from ἑκάτερος (hekateros) meaning "each of the two"; a connection to the goddess Hecate; a link to the Greek word αἰκία (aikia) meaning "torture"; or a Coptic origin meaning "my consecration of your name". In the early Christian era, the name became associated with the Greek word καθαρός (katharos) meaning "pure", leading to a shift in Latin spelling from Katerina to Katharina and later Katharine. This influence is noted in Wikipedia.Historical and Religious SignificanceThe name was borne by the semi-legendary 4th-century saint and martyr Catherine of Alexandria, who was tortured on a spiked wheel. Her veneration began in Syria, and returning crusaders introduced the name to Western Europe. It has been common in England since the 12th century in various spellings, with Katherine and Catherine becoming standard in the later Middle Ages. The spelling with an 'e' (Katherine) was first recorded in England in 1196, according to Wikipedia.Notable historical bearers include Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century mystic; Catherine de' Medici, a 16th-century French queen; three of Henry VIII's wives, notably Katherine of Aragon; and two empresses of Russia, including Catherine the Great. The name remains popular in Christian-majority countries due to its saintly associations.Variants and Modern UsageKatherine has numerous variants, including Catherine, Catharine, Cathryn, Katharyn, Katheryn, and Kathryn. Common diminutives include Cat, Cathie, Cathy, Kat, Kate, and Katey. Form equivalents in other languages include Katerina (Russian), Katalin (Hungarian), Kattalin (Basque), Katsiaryna (Belarusian), and Karyna (Ukrainian).Meaning: pure (from Greek association); debated original meaningOrigin: GreekType: First name, femininePopularity: Common in English-speaking countries since the 12th century; Katherine has been more popular than Catherine in the US since 1973