Katharine

Katharine is a feminine given name and a spelling variant of Catherine. It stems from the Greek name Aikaterine, traditionally associated with the meaning “pure” through the element katharos, though the exact etymology has been disputed. The form Katharine became established in English usage during the Middle Ages, aided by the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and by royal and noble lineages.

The name has many spellings, including Catherine, Katherine, Kathryn, and Kat. Katharine is one of the older Anglophone variants and was especially common in earlier centuries; today, the different forms remain in use in various regions, with Katherine and Catherine being particularly widespread in modern times.

Notable people named Katharine include Katharine of Aragon (1485–1536), the first wife of Henry VIII; Katharine Parr (1512–1551), his sixth wife; Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003), an American actress known for a long film career; Katharine Graham (1917–2001), publisher of The Washington Post; and Katharine Ross (born 1940), an American actress. The name has also appeared in literature and film in its Katherine variant spellings.

Today, Katharine remains in occasional use, though Catherine, Katherine, and other variants are more common. The name carries historical associations with queens, scholars, and artists, reflecting its long-standing presence in English-speaking cultures.