Catherine is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #590 in 2025 with 66 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 880 births ranking #68. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 92.5%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 3,838 girls born was named Catherine. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Catherine is a major classic meaning pure. It feels intelligent, steady, and deeply rooted in history.
The name has been used for centuries across Europe in royal, religious, and literary contexts. Its durability comes from strength of tradition and an almost endless range of forms and nicknames.