Catherine
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
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
The name Catherine has no known meanings.
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Catherine's meanings
Primary Theme
🌿
Natural
Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Key Themes
research.
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
Where is Catherine popular?
Countries where Catherine ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Catherine?
Popularity rankings and trends for Catherine around the world
Catherine Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Catherine
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Catherine Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Catherine
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Catherine ranks across different countries
Showing top 6 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Catherine also like these names
Names similar to Catherine in style, sound, and origin
What words rhyme with the name Catherine?
Rhyming words for Catherine
No rhyming words found for Catherine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Catherine in Australia?
Catherine is moderately popular in Australia as of 2000, ranking at #90. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Catherine in Canada?
Catherine is moderately popular in Canada as of 2001, ranking at #78. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Catherine in France?
Catherine is used but uncommon in France as of 2002, ranking at #454. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Catherine in Ireland?
Catherine is moderately popular in Ireland as of 2006, ranking at #99. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Catherine in New Zealand?
Catherine is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 2002, ranking at #91. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Catherine in United States?
Catherine is used but uncommon in United States as of 2024, ranking at #320. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
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 "Etymology for Catherine pending research." 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.