Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Ancient Greek, variant of Catherine.
Kathryn is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a variant spelling of Catherine, ultimately derived from the Greek Aikaterine, possibly related to katharos, meaning "pure." The "y" spelling became particularly fashionable in America during the 20th century.
Kathryn peaked in U.S. popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. Director Kathryn Bigelow — the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, for The Hurt Locker — has given the name a powerful association with breaking barriers and artistic vision. A name with classical roots and a quietly groundbreaking spirit.