International Takes On A Classic Name
You probably know a Katherine or two. An ancient name associated with the Greek word for purity, Katherine is one of the most common names not only in North America, but across the world! Names that are common in the modern era such as Caitlin (and all its' variant spellings), Katie, and Cat are all popular variations and diminutives, but let's check out a few more.
1. Kathleen
Kathleen is an Anglicized form of another name that we'll see later on. This variant is most popular among Irish and Irish diaspora families. The mythological figure of Kathleen Ni Houlihan is a symbol of Ireland's yearning for freedom from colonial rule.
2. Karin
While another spelling of this name may be linked with an unfortunate stereotype, Karin is a Germanic form of Katherine, particularly popular in Sweden. In America, this name was most popular in the late '60s and early '70s. Karin is also used in Japan, though, unsurprisingly, the meaning is different—over there it means Chinese quince.
3. Carine
This soft and melodius French name is the perfect choice for families with French roots, or those who simply want a sense of sophistication. While Carine saw moderate popularity in the '70s and '80s, it never really became common abroad.
4. Katalin
A trouble that a lot of families looking to connect with their roots encounter is trying to juggle traditional spellings and pronounciations with modern American pronounciation. Several of the names on this list may be difficult to pronounce for the first time, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth using. However, Katalin, the Hungarian version of Katherine is both easy to say and an easy way to pay homage to heritage.
5. Reina
Reina has several meanings across different cultures, but its meaning in Yiddish is why we included it on this list. Reina may not be a traditional variant of Katherine, but the two names share a shared meaning of purity even if they have different roots. The spellings Raina, Rayna, and Reyna are also popular.
6. Catrìona
While Irish and Welsh names have been on the rise for naming trends, Scotts Gallic names like Effie and Isola aren't far behind. Catrìona is one such name that we think could go the distance. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a novel named Catriona, a sequel to the popular adventure story, Kidnapped.
7. Ketevan
For a totally unique take on Katherine, Ketevan is sometimes used in Georgia. While not technically related in terms of etymology—Ketevan means "queen of the house" rather than pure—this name is still sometimes used as a form of Katherine. In Georgia, this name is commonly associated with royalty.
8. Katarina
A decade ago, we would have put Katrina on this list, but many parents would understandably prefer not to associate their children with the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. For those who still love the name, but not the association, Katarina may be the perfect alternative. One of the most common names in Croatia, Katarina would fit right in on the playground.
9. Kakalina
Kakalina is a Hawaiian version of Katherine. Hawaiian names such as Leilani and Kiana have been gaining popularity in the past decade for their lovely, nature-inspired meaning and unique sounds. Maybe Kakalina will join the ranks?
10. Nienke
Nienke is a West Frisian name found predominantly in northern Netherlands and Belgium, and we think it sounds adorable. Unfortunately, due to pronounciation sounding similar to the insulting term "nincompoop", we doubt that there will be an influx of Nienkes in the States anytime soon.
11. Katarzyna
Katarzyna is a name with regal roots in Polish nobility. Fans of reality tv may cite Katarzyna Dolinska from Cycle 10 as inspiration for this bold name. The diminuitive Kasia is a much more English-friendly option.
12. Ekaterina
Ekaterina is a Slavic name common throughout the former USSR. Famously Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst took this name when she married into Russian nobility, eventually reigning as Catherine the Great. There are many affectionate forms of this name with Katya and Katyusha being the most common.
13. Kateri
A rare variant of Katherine, Kateri is the form used by the Mohawk/Kanien'kehá:ka people of upstate New York. The most famous bearer of this name was St. Kateri Teckakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawk, who took this name upon baptism. Canonizied in 2021, she was the first Native American Catholic saint.
14. Caitlín
The name that launched a thousand variants, Caitlín is the original source of the name Kathleen! However, as the name gained popularity among non-Irish speakers in the 1970s, pronounciation shifted to better adapt to English spelling rules. In the past few years, there's been a significant uptick in Caitlins, thanks to WNBA superstar, Caitlin Clark.
15. Trijn
The spelling of this Dutch diminuitive may trip up tongues a little bit (it's pronounced closer to "TRAY-un") but it a fantastic choice for families of Dutch heritage. Trijn is a more traditional choice that honors heritage without sounding overly dated.
16. Catrin
Welsh names such as Brynn, Gwen, and Morgan are on the rise among parents looking for medieval or romantic inspired names, and we think Catrin may be the next big hit. Catrin would be a great choice for parents who want their child to have a classic name that sounds modern.
17. Kitty
Not just a way to call your pet cats, Kitty is a sweet nickname for Katherine that's been gaining popularity as a standalone name in the UK. Book lovers may take inspiration from one of the Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice, while comic nerds are more likely to lean towards Kitty Pryde from X-Men.
Jonnelle Yankovich on Unsplash
18. Kajsa
Kajsa is a Swedish name with a soft, melodic sound. Originally a nickname for Karin, Kajsa has since become a popular name in its own right. Fun fact: Donald Duck's girlfriend, Daisy, is known as Kajsa Anka in Swedish!
19. Catalina
Catalina is a Spanish form of Katherine that is currently on the rise in the US. Sunny Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California is a popular vacation spot for Angelinos. Also, Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, was known as Catalina de Aragón y Castilla in her native Spanish.
20. Riina
Riina is a diminutive of the name Katariina, found in Finland and Estonia. This name could be a great choice for parents who want their daughter to stand out from other Kates and Katies.
