Catriona is a unique and elegant feminine given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "caitrìona," which means "pure" or "chaste." It has been associated with several historical figures, such as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was a Christian martyr and scholar during the 4th century.
The earliest known use of the name Catriona in Scotland dates back to the late Middle Ages. However, it did not gain significant popularity until the late 19th century, when it began to appear more frequently in birth records and literary works. One notable example is in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Rob Roy" (1817), which features a character named Catriona.
Throughout history, the name Catriona has been associated with intelligence, grace, and strength of character. Its unique spelling and pronunciation have made it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters. Today, Catriona remains a relatively rare name but continues to be appreciated for its Scottish heritage and beautiful meaning.
In summary, Catriona is a lovely feminine given name of Scottish origin that signifies purity or chastity. With a rich history and association with notable figures, this name offers an elegant and distinctive option for parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Catriona has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the annual birth statistics from 1965 to 2022.
Between 1965 and 1985, the number of babies named Catriona hovered around five births per year, with a slight increase to eight births in 1966. The decade saw a consistent but low presence of the name on American birth certificates.
The early 1980s marked a turning point for the name Catriona, with a significant jump to ten births in 1980 and peaking at fifteen births in 1984. This trend continued into the mid-1980s, reaching twenty-two births in 1988.
The late 1980s and early 1990s maintained a steady popularity for Catriona, with around ten to sixteen births per year. However, the name began to gain more traction in the late 1990s, with thirty-two births in 1998 and twenty-four births in 1999.
The turn of the millennium brought further growth in the popularity of Catriona, with peaks of thirty-two births in both 2002 and 2005. The name maintained a consistent presence throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, with around fifteen to twenty-two births per year.
Since 2014, the popularity of Catriona has been more varied, ranging from nine to nineteen births per year. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name remains present on American birth certificates.
In total, there have been 677 babies named Catriona in the United States between 1965 and 2022, demonstrating a steady presence of this unique name over several decades.