The name Catherine is of Greek origin and means "pure" or "innocent." It comes from the Greek word 'katharos,' which translates to pure or clear. The name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it.
One of the most famous historical figures named Catherine was Catherine of Siena, a Dominican tertiary and Doctor of the Church who lived in the 14th century. She is known for her writings and advocacy for the poor and sick. Another prominent figure was Catherine the Great, born as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, who ruled Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796.
The name Catherine has been popular throughout various periods, particularly in the Middle Ages when it was a common choice among European royalty. It has also been used in literature and art, with famous examples including Shakespeare's play "Catherine & Petruchio" (which later inspired the musical "Kiss Me Kate") and Leonardo da Vinci's painting "Lady with an Ermine," believed to depict Cecilia Gallerani, who was called Catherine by her friends.
Today, Catherine continues to be a popular name around the world, often shortened or spelled in various ways such as Catherina, Kathryn, Kate, Kathy, or Kitty. Despite its many forms and variations, at its core, Catherine remains a timeless and elegant name with deep historical roots and a simple yet profound meaning.
The statistics provided show the annual birth counts for the name Catherine in the United States from 1965 to 1991. Over this period of 27 years, there were a total of 111 births with the name Catherine.
From 1965 to 1984, the number of births fluctuated between 5 and 13 per year, with peaks in 1982 and 1986. After 1984, the popularity of the name started to decline, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1985 onwards.
It's interesting to note that the name Catherine experienced a slight resurgence in popularity in the early 1990s, with 8 births recorded in 1991. However, overall, the data suggests that the name Catherine was more commonly given to newborn girls during the late 1970s and early-to-mid 1980s than it was in the years leading up to or following this period.
These statistics provide valuable insights into the trends and patterns of naming practices in the United States over a span of nearly three decades, with Catherine being one of many names that experienced varying levels of popularity during this time.