Catharine

Catharine is an English given name and a spelling variant of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The ultimate root is uncertain, though it has long been associated by folk etymology with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure, an association reinforced by early Christian scholars. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a widely venerated martyr whose cult spread the name across medieval Europe. Related forms include Katherine, Catherine, Katarina, and Karen.