Kateryna

Kateryna is a feminine given name of Ukrainian origin, the Ukrainian form of Catherine or Katherine. It derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, a root that is traditionally associated with the word katharos, meaning “pure,” though the exact etymology is debated. The name has been favored in Christian contexts due to saints named Catherine.

In Ukrainian, the standard form is Катерина (Kateryna). Diminutives include Катя (Katya) and Катеринка (Katerinka). Across languages and cultures, related forms include Yekaterina in Russian, Katarina in several Slavic languages, Katarzyna in Polish, and Catherine or Katherine in English. The transliteration Kateryna is commonly used in Ukrainian communities abroad.

Kateryna is widely used in Ukraine and among Ukrainian diaspora communities. It has appeared in Ukrainian literature, music, and public life, and remains a classic and recognizable choice for a girl’s name. The name’s popularity has varied over time, reflecting broader naming trends while retaining cultural and religious associations.

Notable bearers of the name arise in various domains, including Ukrainian public life, sports, and the arts, contributing to its ongoing presence in Ukrainian culture. As a traditional Slavic form of Catherine, Kateryna continues to be used by families seeking a connection to heritage and a name with historical and religious resonance.