Kathryn is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name Katrín, which was derived from the word 'kattle', meaning pure or clear. The name Kathryn is composed of two elements: 'Catrin' and '-yn'. The first element, Catrin, means 'pure' or 'clear', while the '-yn' suffix indicates that it is a feminine form.
The name Kathryn has been in use for centuries and has been popularized by various historical figures. One notable figure was Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), an Italian mystic and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, who was named Catherina but became known as Catherine or Kathryn in English-speaking countries.
The name Kathryn reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is still a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their daughters.
In literature, Kathryn has been used as a character's name in various works, such as "Kathryn" by Mary Higgins Clark, a suspense novel published in 2001. The name has also been used in television and film, such as in the sitcom "The Wayans Bros." (1995-1999), where one of the main characters was named Kathryn.
Overall, Kathryn is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful origin that continues to be popular today.
The name Kathryn has been quite popular in the United States since the late 19th century, with a significant increase in usage during the early to mid-20th century.
From 1880 to 1923, the number of births for girls named Kathryn ranged from 204 to 4201. The name gained considerable popularity during this period, with over 3000 births each year between 1912 and 1923.
However, after reaching a peak in 1923 with 4201 births, the popularity of Kathryn began to decline steadily. Between 1924 and 1963, the number of births for girls named Kathryn ranged from 3598 to 4702, indicating a steady decrease in usage.
This downward trend continued through the late 1960s and into the 1970s. Between 1964 and 1975, the number of births for girls named Kathryn ranged from 4157 to 2946, reflecting a significant drop in popularity.
However, starting in the late 1970s, Kathryn began to regain some popularity. From 1978 to 2023, the number of births for girls named Kathryn fluctuated between 4808 and 509 births, with several peaks occurring in the late 1970s, early 1980s, mid-1990s, and again in the mid-2000s.
Overall, while Kathryn has experienced periods of popularity and decline over the years, it remains a recognizable name in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration's data on U.S. births, a total of 454622 babies have been named Kathryn since 1880.