Katherina

Katherina is a Latinate form of Katherine, itself derived through Latin and Late Greek from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose exact root remains debated but is commonly associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. The name spread widely across Europe through the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary early Christian martyr. Katherina appears as a German and English spelling variant and is perhaps best known internationally as the headstrong protagonist of Shakespeare's comedy The Taming of the Shrew. Related forms include Katharina, Katerina, Katarina, and the anglicized Katherine and Catherine.