Katharina

Katharina is the German and Scandinavian form of Katherine, derived through Latin Katharina from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose original meaning is disputed but was early associated by folk etymology with the Greek katharos, meaning pure or clean. The name gained widespread use across Europe largely through the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary early Christian martyr. It was borne by several prominent historical figures, most notably Katharina von Bora, the German nun who married Martin Luther, and Katharina the Great, the Russian empress known in English as Catherine. Related forms include Catherine, Katarina, Katarzyna, and Katja.