Cathryn is a unique and elegant name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh name Catrin, which is a feminine form of the name Cadwaladr. Cadwaladr was a legendary king of Gwynedd in north Wales during the 7th century AD.
The name Cathryn has a rich history and has been popular among the Welsh nobility for centuries. One of the most notable figures associated with this name is Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Although she was born in Spain, her mother was a Welsh princess named Catalina de la Cerda y Ayala, who was related to the Welsh royal family.
The meaning of Cathryn is believed to be "battle" or "strength," reflecting its association with warrior kings and queens throughout history. However, it is also interpreted as "pure" or "innocent," suggesting a more gentle and innocent nature.
Today, Cathryn remains a popular name among Welsh families and has gained international recognition due to its association with famous historical figures like Catherine of Aragon. Despite its ancient origins, the name continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and elegant character. In recent years, it has also become more common as a middle name choice in English-speaking countries.
In conclusion, Cathryn is a beautiful and distinctive name with a long history and rich meaning. Its Welsh roots give it an air of nobility and strength, while its association with famous historical figures adds to its appeal. Whether chosen for its meaning or simply for its unique sound, Cathryn remains a timeless and elegant name choice for girls.
The name Cathryn has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, it started with just five births recorded in 1882, followed by an increase to 14 births in 1883. The number of births fluctuated throughout the 1880s and 1890s, ranging from a low of eight births in 1887 to a high of 30 births in 1896.
The early 20th century saw a steady rise in the popularity of the name Cathryn. The number of births increased from 18 births in 1902 to a peak of 142 births in both 1917 and 1918. However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline.
From the 1920s onwards, the number of Cathryn births fluctuated greatly. There were years with over 100 births, such as 135 in 1924 and 160 in 1945, but also years with fewer than 100 births, such as 80 in 1928 and 72 in both 1937 and 1938. The post-World War II era saw a significant increase in the number of Cathryn births, reaching a peak of 368 births in 1956.
However, this high was not sustained, and from the late 1950s onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Cathryn. By the mid-1970s, fewer than 200 Cathryn births were recorded each year. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of Cathryn births fluctuating between 130 and 200.
In the 21st century, there has been a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Cathryn. There were fewer than 50 Cathryn births recorded each year from 2006 onwards, reaching an all-time low of just 13 births in 2022 and 16 births in 2023.
Overall, over the period from 1882 to 2023, there have been a total of 16,305 Cathryn births recorded in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Cathryn remains a name with historical significance and continues to be chosen by parents today, albeit at a much lower rate than in previous decades.