Katherine

Katherine is an English form of the Late Latin Catarina, itself derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose precise original meaning remains uncertain, though it was early associated by folk etymology with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. The name gained widespread popularity in the medieval Christian world largely through the veneration of Saint Katherine of Alexandria, a fourth-century martyr whose legend spread across Europe. It has been borne by numerous historical figures of note, including three of Henry VIII's six wives and the influential Russian empress Catherine the Great. Common variants and cognates include Catherine, Katarina, Katharine, Kathryn, and Karen, along with the diminutive Kate.