Kathryn is a popular name for girls that has been around for centuries. It is a variant of the name Katherine, which means “pure” in Greek. The name Kathryn has been used by many famous people throughout history, including saints, queens, and actresses.
The name Kathryn has many different spellings, including Catherine, Katharine, and Cathryn. It has been a popular name in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents today. The name has a classic and timeless quality that appeals to many people.
If you are considering the name Kathryn for your baby girl, it is important to understand its meaning and history. Knowing the meaning behind a name can help you choose a name that has special significance and symbolism for your child. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origins of the name Kathryn, as well as some famous people who have borne the name.
Etymology of Kathryn
Kathryn is a popular name for baby girls that has been used for centuries. The name is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means “pure” or “clear” [1]. This meaning has carried over into popular culture, with the name often being associated with purity, clarity, and honesty. It is also associated with strength and wisdom; qualities that are highly admired in many cultures around the world.
The name Kathryn has many variants, including Catharine, Catherine, Cathryn, Katharyn, Katherine, Katheryn, Catherin, Catherina, Katharine, Katherina, and Katheryne [1]. The most popular diminutives of Kathryn are Kat, Kate, Katey, Kathi, Kathie, Kathy, Katie, Katy, Kay, Kaye, Kit, Kitty, Kae, and Kaety [1].
Kathryn has been a popular name throughout history, with at least one of Henry the Eighth’s wives sometimes spelling her name as Kathryn [2]. The name has also been used by many saints, including Saint Kathryn Cressida and Saint Kateri [2].
In terms of popularity, Kathryn has been a top 1000 baby name in the United States for over a century, with its highest popularity ranking being in the 1950s [3]. Other popular variants of the name include Katie, Caitlin, and Kathy [3].
According to numerology, the name Kathryn has a personality number of nine, which is associated with compassion, idealism, and creativity [4]. The color associated with Kathryn is blue, and the month associated with the name is September [4]. In sign language, the name Kathryn is signed by making a “K” sign and then tapping the thumb on the chin twice [5].
Overall, the name Kathryn has a rich history and is associated with many positive qualities. Its popularity has remained consistent over the years, and it has many different variants and diminutives to choose from.
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Famous People Named Kathryn
The name Kathryn has been used by many famous people throughout history. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Kathryn Bigelow: She is an American film director known for her work on movies such as “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty”. She was the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director.
- Kathryn Stockett: She is an American novelist known for her book “The Help”, which was later adapted into a movie. The book was on the New York Times Best Seller list for over 100 weeks.
- Kathryn Hahn: She is an American actress known for her roles in movies such as “Step Brothers” and “Bad Moms”. She has also appeared in TV shows like “Parks and Recreation” and “Transparent”.
- Kathryn Beaumont: She is an English actress and voice actress known for her role as Alice in Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Wendy in “Peter Pan”.
- Kathryn Joosten: She was an American actress known for her roles in TV shows such as “Desperate Housewives” and “The West Wing”. She won two Emmy Awards for her performances.
- Kathryn Grayson: She was an American actress and singer known for her roles in movies such as “Kiss Me Kate” and “Show Boat”.
- Kathryn Leigh Scott: She is an American actress and writer known for her roles in the TV show “Dark Shadows” and the movie “House of Dark Shadows”.
- Kathryn Dwyer Sullivan: She is an American geologist and former NASA astronaut. She was the first American woman to walk in space.
- Kathryn Tickell: She is an English musician known for her work on the Northumbrian pipes. She has released several albums and won numerous awards for her music.
- Kathryn Erbe: She is an American actress known for her roles in TV shows such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Oz”. She has also appeared in movies like “Stir of Echoes” and “What About Bob?”.
- Kathryn Hulme: She was an American novelist known for her book “The Nun’s Story”, which was later adapted into a movie. The book was based on her experiences as a nurse during World War II.
- Kathryn Janeway: She is a fictional character in the TV show “Star Trek: Voyager”. She was the captain of the starship USS Voyager and the first female captain in a Star Trek series.
- Trina K.: She is an American rapper and songwriter known for her albums “Da Baddest Bitch” and “Glamorest Life”. She has collaborated with many other artists in the hip-hop industry.
- Kathryn Crosby: She is an American actress and singer known for her roles in movies such as “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” and “Anatomy of a Murder”. She was also a regular on the TV show “The Bing Crosby Show”.
- Kathryn Drysdale: She is an English actress known for her roles in TV shows such as “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps” and “Benidorm”. She has also appeared in movies like “St. Trinian’s” and “Theatre of Dreams”.
- Kathryn Eames: She is a character in the TV show “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”. She is a forensic psychologist who works with the NYPD Major Case Squad.
- Kathryn McGuire: She was an American actress known for her roles in silent movies such as “The General” and “Safety Last!”. She retired from acting in the 1930s.
- Kathryn Morris: She is an American actress known for her role as Lilly Rush in the TV show “Cold Case”. She has also appeared in movies like “Minority Report” and “Resurrecting the Champ”.
- Kathryn P. Hire: She is an American astronaut who has flown on two Space Shuttle missions. She has also worked as a spacecraft communicator for the International Space Station.
Kathryn in Pop Culture
The name Kathryn has made its way into pop culture in various ways, from film to television to music. Here are some notable examples:
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Film: Kathryn Bigelow is a renowned film director, known for her work on films such as “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”
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Television: Kathryn Erbe is an actress who is best known for her role as Detective Alexandra Eames on the TV show “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Kathryn Morris is another actress who has appeared in numerous television shows, including “Cold Case” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.”
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Music: Kathryn Hire is a composer and pianist who has released several albums of her own music. She is known for her unique style, which blends classical and modern elements.
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Actresses: Kathryn Crosby is an actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Anatomy of a Murder” and “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad.” Kathryn Drysdale is another actress who has appeared in various TV shows and films, including “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.”
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Astronaut: Kathryn Hire is also the name of an American astronaut who has flown on two NASA Space Shuttle missions.
Overall, the name Kathryn has left its mark on pop culture in various ways, from the big screen to outer space.
Numerology of Kathryn
In numerology, the name Kathryn is associated with the number 7. This number is considered to be highly spiritual and introspective. People with this number are thought to be analytical, philosophical, and contemplative.
The number 7 is also associated with a deep desire for knowledge and understanding. Those with this number are often drawn to fields such as science, philosophy, and spirituality.
In terms of behavior, people with the number 7 are often described as introverted and reflective. They may be quiet and reserved, but they are also highly perceptive and insightful.
The color associated with the number 7 is purple. This color is often associated with spirituality and mysticism, which is fitting given the spiritual nature of the number 7.
In terms of months, the number 7 is associated with July. This month is often associated with introspection and reflection, which is again fitting given the spiritual nature of the number 7.
Finally, in sign language, the number 7 is represented by holding up the index, middle, and ring fingers while tucking the thumb and pinky fingers into the palm. This gesture is often used to represent the number 7 in a variety of contexts.
Overall, the numerology of Kathryn suggests a highly introspective and spiritual nature, with a deep desire for knowledge and understanding.