Caterina

Caterina is a feminine given name of Italian origin, a form of Catherine. The name derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, and its exact meaning is disputed; it is commonly associated with purity. In Italian, Caterina is the standard form, with variants in other languages such as Catarina (Portuguese/Spanish), Katarina (Slavic), and Catherine (English).

Notable historical figures bearing the name include Caterina de' Medici (1519–1589), queen consort of Henry II of France; Caterina Cornaro (1454–1483), Queen of Cyprus; and Caterina Sforza (1463–1509), noblewoman of the Sforza family and patron. In modern times, Caterina Scorsone (born 1981), a Canadian actress, bears the name as well.

Today, Caterina remains in use in Italy and among Italian communities worldwide. The name has many cross-cultural equivalents and appears in literature and film, often signaling Italian heritage.

Saint Catherine of Siena, known in Italian as Santa Caterina da Siena (1347–1380), is one of the most venerated bearers of the name. Her status as a Doctor of the Church and influential figure in Italian culture reinforces the name’s historical resonance.