Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Catherina

      Origin 
      Greek, Widely Used in Various Cultures

      Meaning 
      Pure or Clear

      Variations 
      Catherine, Catharina, Cathelina

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Catherina has its roots in Greek, derived from the word katharos, which translates to pure or clear. This etymology gives the name a connotation of innocence and clarity. Catherina, along with its variants such as Catherine and Katherine, has been embraced across various cultures, signifying both a strong feminine identity and a sense of virtue. The name's associations with purity often resonate with parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughters.

      Historically, Catherina has held significant prominence, particularly in Christian contexts. One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr whose life story contributed to the name's popularity during the Middle Ages. The name was further solidified in Europe through numerous queens and saints, leading to widespread adoption throughout the centuries. In addition to religious significance, the name has also appeared in literature, with characters named Catherina in works by authors such as Shakespeare, which helped to cement its usage in various forms.

      In contemporary society, Catherina is still a popular name, though its variations such as Catherine and Kate are more commonly used. It remains a favored choice in many countries, reflecting both tradition and modernity. The name Catherina is often associated with strong, independent women, and it continues to be embraced for its classic appeal and the qualities of purity and clarity it represents. Social media and pop culture occasionally bring the name to the forefront, leading to renewed interest and a sense of timeless elegance in its use.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Catherina.
      Murphy

      is the most common surname for Catherina.

      John

      is the most common spouse name for Catherina.

      Maria

      is the most common child name for Catherina.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1835 is when there were the most people born with the first name Catherina.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.