Katharina

Katharina is a female given name used in German-speaking Europe and beyond. It is the German form of Catherine or Katherine, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, attested in late antiquity. The name gained broad popularity in medieval and early modern Europe, partly through Saint Catherine of Alexandria and other saints, and later through royalty and notable figures.

Etymology and variants: The exact meaning of Aikaterine is uncertain. It is commonly associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure, though other explanations have been proposed. The name has many spellings and related forms, including Katharina, Katarina, Caterina, Catarina, and Ekaterina. Diminutives include Käthe in German and Katja or Kati in several languages.

Usage and cultural presence: Katharina remains widely used in German-speaking countries and has a long-standing presence across Europe. Variants are common in Slavic, Nordic, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian contexts, with local forms shaping contemporary usage and pronunciation.

Notable bearers: Saint Katharina von Siena (St. Catherine of Siena), a 14th-century Dominican mystic and scholar, is a central historical figure associated with the name. Katharina II, known in the West as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia in the late 18th century. Katarina Witt, a prominent German figure skater, is another well-known bearer of a closely related form of the name.