Ekaterina is a feminine given name of Greek origin that has been widely used in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Bulgaria. The name is derived from the Greek word "katharos," which means "pure" or "clean." In some variations of the name, such as Ekaterine and Ekaterina, the "h" is replaced with an "e" to denote a feminine form.
The name Ekaterina has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Empress Catherine I of Russia (1684-1727), who ruled briefly after the death of her husband Peter the Great. The name was also popular among Russian nobility and aristocracy during the Imperial period. In Bulgaria, there are several historical figures named Ekaterina as well.
Today, Ekaterina remains a popular choice for girls in Eastern Europe and beyond. Its meaning of purity and cleanliness may contribute to its enduring appeal, as parents often choose names with positive connotations for their children. Additionally, the name has a timeless quality that makes it suitable for people of any age or era. Overall, Ekaterina is a strong and elegant feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful origin.
The name Ekaterina has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest data available starts from 1981 with 8 births that year. After a few years of relatively low numbers, the name began to gain traction in the mid-1990s.
From 1993 onwards, the number of babies named Ekaterina started to increase steadily, reaching a peak of 43 births in 2005. This popularity was maintained for several years, with the number of births hovering around or above 30 each year from 2000 to 2012.
However, since 2012, there has been a decline in the popularity of the name Ekaterina. The total number of births dropped significantly, reaching as low as 15 in 2023. Overall, from 1981 to 2023, there have been a total of 965 births registered with the name Ekaterina in the United States.
Despite the recent decline, it is clear that at its peak, the name Ekaterina was quite popular in the United States. It is interesting to note that the name's popularity seems to have risen and fallen in cycles over the past four decades.