Natascha

Natascha is a female given name, a variant of Natasha. The name is derived from Natalia, which ultimately comes from the Latin natalis, meaning “birthday” or “related to the birth.” The spelling Natascha with the “sch” is common in German-speaking regions and reflects German orthography.

Usage of the name Natascha is most widespread in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe, where it is recognized as a traditional, classic form. In English-speaking countries, the more common spelling is Natasha, while variants such as Natasa or Nataša are used in several Slavic languages. Like Natasha, Natascha is typically used for females and does not carry specific occupational associations.

Notable people with the name include Natascha Kampusch (born 1988), an Austrian woman who was abducted in 1998 and held captive for more than eight years; she later became an author and public advocate. Natascha McElhone (born 1969) is a British actress known for roles in films such as The Truman Show and Solaris. Natascha Ochsenknecht (born 1964) is a German actress and television personality, also active in fashion design.

In summary, Natascha is a traditional Germanic spelling of a widely used given name with equivalents in other languages, shared roots with Natasha, and a modest contemporary presence among notable individuals.