Catherine

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:English
Names Ending in ELong NamesEnglish NamesThree Syllable Names
Generate more names like CatherineCompare with other namesFind similar names
How to pronounce the name Catherine
Pronunciation guide for Catherine
ARPA
K AE1 TH ER0 AH0 N
IPA
ˈkæθərɪn

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Catherine

Syllables (3)

K AE1 TH ER0
AH0 N

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

K
key (k)
AE1
at (æ)
TH
theta (θ)
ER0
hurt (ɝ)
AH0
hut (ʌ)
N
knee (n)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈkæθərɪn

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Catherine has 3 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

• Contains sounds that may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Catherine

Structure

Character Count
9
Syllable Count
3
Vowel Ratio
44%
Name Family
cathe

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty7/10

May be challenging for some

International Friendliness7/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Catherine
Unique character and personality of the name Catherine

Name Personality

The Elegant
Elegant
Sophisticated
Formal

Key Characteristics

Length
Long

Distinctive and formal

Rhythm
Melodic

Rich and expressive

Sound
Balanced

Mix of vowels and consonants

Ease
Complex

Challenging pronunciation

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
cathe

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

e×2
c×1
a×1

Most frequent letters in Catherine

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
3 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Challenging
7/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Very Good
7/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Catherine compare to the average name?

Catherine7/10 😬
7.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Catherine is harder than average by 2.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)← Catherine
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Catherine (root: cathe)

Current Name

Catherine

Related Names (15)

Short variations:

Cath
Catha

Medium variations:

Cathair
Cathal
Cathalia
Cathan
Cathaoir

Long variations:

Cathaleen
Cathalene
Cathaleya
Cathalijne
Cathalina
Cathaline
Catharien
Catharina

Catherine belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.

What does the name Catherine mean?
The meaning and origin of Catherine
Historical Reference

noun 1. first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)

Historical Reference

noun 2. empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796)

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Catherine's meanings

Primary Theme

✨
Aspirational

Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor

Theme Distribution

Aspirational
1

Key Themes

greatly
great}]
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Catherine

Life Path Number

11
The Master Intuitive

Master number representing heightened intuition and spiritual insight.

Visionary
Intuitive
Inspirational
Spiritual

✨ This is a Master Number, indicating special spiritual significance

Most Common Letters

e×2
c×1
a×1
t×1
h×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
4(44%)
Consonants
5(56%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

c3
a1
t2
h8
e5
r9
i9
n5
e5

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Catherine
Famous individuals named Catherine
👤

Catherine Gfeller

Swiss photographer

Born: 1966

👤

Catherine Jacques

Belgian judoka

Born: 1979

👤

Catherine, Princess of Wales

member of the British Royal Family and princess of Wales since 2022

Born: 1982

👤

Catherine of Brunswick-Lüneburg

German noble

Born: 1395

👤

Catherine Grèze

French politician

Born: 1960

👤

Catherine Fulop

Venezuelan actress, model, beauty pageant contestant and television presenter

Born: 1965

How popular is the name Catherine?
Popularity rankings for Catherine around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiagirl#902000-2000
Canadagirl#782001-2001
Franceboy#4411948-1948
Francegirl#4542002-2002
Irelandgirl#992006-2006
United Kingdomgirl#4212018-2018
United Statesboy#8931908-1908
United Statesgirl#2042018-2018
Country Comparison
How Catherine ranks across different countries

Showing top 8 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

Parents who like Catherine also like these names
Names similar to Catherine in style, sound, and origin
CathCathaCathairCathalCathaleenCathaleneCathaleyaCathaliaCathalijneCathalinaCathalineCathanCathaoirCatharienCatharinaCatharineCatharinusCathayCathcartCatheCatheeCatheleenCatheleneCathelijnCathelijneCathelineCathelyneCatherCatherenCatherene
What words rhyme with the name Catherine?
Rhyming words for Catherine

No rhyming words found for Catherine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Catherine?
IPA: /ˈkæθərɪn/ ARPA: K AE1 TH ER0 AH0 N This name may be challenging for some to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Catherine?
Catherine has 3 syllables.
Is Catherine easy to pronounce?
Catherine can be challenging to pronounce. It contains sound combinations that may be unfamiliar to many people.
Is Catherine easy to pronounce internationally?
Catherine scores 7/10 for international friendliness. It's quite accessible to speakers of many different languages.
Who are some famous people named Catherine?
There are 100 notable people named Catherine. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Catherine?
Names similar to Catherine include: Cath, Catha, Cathair, Cathal, Cathaleen. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Catherine a good baby name?
Catherine is a classic baby name choice with a long history of use. Consider its pronunciation, popularity, and personal meaning when making your decision.
Is Catherine a boy or girl name?
Catherine can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Catherine?
The name is spelled C-a-t-h-e-r-i-n-e. Common spelling variations include: Cath, Catha, Cathair.
What are common nicknames for Catherine?
Common nicknames for Catherine include: Cat, Cathy, Catie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Catherine mean?
The name Catherine means "Catherine n 1: first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536) [syn: {Catherine of Aragon}, {Catherine}] 2: empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796) [syn: {Catherine II}, {Catherine}, {Catherine the Great}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Catherine?
Middle names that pair well with Catherine include: James, Rose, Grace. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Catherine?
Sibling names that pair well with Catherine include: Cath, Catha, Cathair, Cathal. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Catherine?
Catherine may require some pronunciation guidance. Teachers might initially mispronounce it, but most will learn quickly with correction. Consider providing a pronunciation guide (like the phonetic spelling) for school records.
What culture is the name Catherine from?
Catherine has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Catherine suitable for a professional career?
Catherine works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Catherine a long or short name?
Catherine is a medium-length name with 9 letters (3 syllables). Medium-length names offer a good balance - substantial enough to feel complete, but not overly long for forms and documents.
What are common misspellings of Catherine?
Common spelling variations of Catherine include: Cathaline, Catharina, Catharine. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Catherine and Cath?
Catherine and Cath are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Catherine is spelled Catherine while Cath is spelled Cath. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.