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Katharine

Girl name · 397 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Katharine: 397 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 27 births in 1987.

The name Katharine is an English variant of the Greek Aikaterine, most commonly linked to the word *katharos*, meaning “pure.” Its spelling gained prestige through figures such as Katharine Hepburn, the legendary four-time Oscar-winning actress known for her fierce independence, and Katharine Graham, the pioneering publisher of the *Washington Post* who steered the paper through the Watergate scandal. While no major places bear the exact spelling, the related name Catherine appears in countless streets and towns worldwide. This version, with its distinctive “th,” offers a classic feel while standing apart from the more ubiquitous Katherine or Catherine—a subtle choice that nods to tradition without blending into the crowd.