Catharine

Catharine is a feminine given name, an older variant of Catherine. It has appeared in English-language usage since the Middle Ages and is linked to several saints and historical figures.

The name derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, of uncertain meaning. It is commonly associated with the Greek katharos, meaning “pure,” though etymology is debated. The spelling Catharine coexists with Catherine, Katharine, Katherine, and other variants. In English, Catharine was widely used in early modern times, with Catherine becoming more common in later centuries.

Notable people with this spelling include Catharine Beecher (1800–1878), American educator and advocate for women’s education; Catharine MacKinnon (born 1946), American feminist scholar and attorney; Catharine Maria Sedgwick (1789–1867), American novelist; and Catharine Parr Traill (1802–1899), Canadian author and naturalist. Saintly associations with Catherine of Alexandria and Catherine of Siena helped sustain usage of the broader name through the centuries.

In contemporary use, Catharine is less common than Catherine in many regions, though it remains part of the wider set of name variants. The form is sometimes chosen for family tradition or to reflect historical or religious associations.