Delightful Middle Names for Katherine or Catherine (2023)
Katherine is a classic name with a long history of a name born to royalty and nobility. It has always been a top choice among parents for it’s classic appeal.
If you’re considering Katherine as a name for your daughter, we’ve gathered the best middle names for Katherine below.
Meaning of the Name Katherine or Catherine
The etymology of where the name Katherine is derived from is debated.
One theory suggests that Katherine comes from the Greek name Hekaterine, which came from hekateros meaning “each of the two.”
Another theory suggests that the name came from the goddess Hecate. In Greek mythology, she was the goddess associated with witchcraft, crossroads, tombs, demons, and the underworld.
Some believe Katherine is related to the Greek word aikia meaning “torture.”
Others suggest that the name could come from a Coptic name meaning “my consecration of your name.”
During the early Christian era the name was associated with the Greek word katharos meaning “pure.” The Latin spelling was changed from Katerina to Katharina.
Catherine is a common French form and English variant of Katherine.
| Origin | Greek |
| Pronunciation | kath-er-in / kath-rin |
Best Middle Names for Katherine of Catherine
Whether you’re searching for a classic middle name or something more modern we’ve put together a great list here.
- Katherine Abigail
- Katherine Adelaide
- Katherine Adele
- Katherine Alexandra
- Katherine Alexis
- Katherine Alice
- Katherine Alyssa
- Katherine Amara
- Katherine Amelia
- Katherine Anastasia
- Katherine Anne
- Katherine Augusta
- Katherine Beatrice
- Katherine Blair
- Katherine Blake
- Katherine Blythe
- Katherine Brooke
- Katherine Bryony
- Katherine Celeste
- Katherine Claire
- Katherine Cordelia
- Katherine Cosette
- Katherine Daisy
- Katherine Delaney
- Katherine Delphine
- Katherine Diana
- Katherine Elaine
- Katherine Eleanor
- Katherine Eliana
- Katherine Elise
- Katherine Elizabeth
- Katherine Eloise
- Katherine Emily
- Katherine Estelle
- Katherine Evelyn
- Katherine Faye
- Katherine Felicity
- Katherine Fiona
- Katherine Frances
- Katherine Francine
- Katherine Freya
- Katherine Genevieve
- Katherine Grace
- Katherine Gwendolyn
- Katherine Harriet
- Katherine Hazel
- Katherine Helene
- Katherine Iris
- Katherine Isabelle
- Katherine Isla
- Katherine Ivy
- Katherine Jean
- Katherine Jenelle
- Katherine Josephine
- Katherine Joy
- Katherine Juliet
- Katherine Kendall
- Katherine Kimberly
- Katherine Lilliana
- Katherine Lily
- Katherine Lorraine
- Katherine Louise
- Katherine Mabel
- Katherine Mae
- Katherine Maeve
- Katherine Margaret
- Katherine Margot
- Katherine Maria
- Katherine Marjorie
- Katherine Matilda
- Katherine Michelle
- Katherine Mila
- Katherine Nicole
- Katherine Noelle
- Katherine Olivia
- Katherine Ophelia
- Katherine Paige
- Katherine Pearl
- Katherine Penelope
- Katherine Phoebe
- Katherine Ramona
- Katherine Regina
- Katherine Renee
- Katherine Riley
- Katherine Rosalie
- Katherine Rose
- Katherine Rowan
- Katherine Sabrina
- Katherine Seraphina
- Katherine Sophia
- Katherine Susanna
- Katherine Tatiana
- Katherine Theresa
- Katherine Valentina
- Katherine Veronica
- Katherine Victoria
- Katherine Viola
- Katherine Violet
- Katherine Virginia
- Katherine Zoe
CHECK OUT CUSTOM NAME SIGNS HERE
How To Pick a Middle Name
Do You Need A Middle Name?
In short, no. You do not need to give your child a middle name. You can choose to only give your child a first name and last name. There are no laws or requirements in regard to middle names.
However, according to research in the European Journal of Social Psychology, using middle initials in your name increases people’s perception of your intelligence.
Providing your child with a middle name will help differentiate them from others who share their same name. It also gives them a second option. Some children choose to go by their middle names instead of their first names as they grow older.
We all know how important it is to find the perfect name for our children. But did you know that in some cultures, middle names can be used as a way to give your child an additional identity? A new connection with their family history or heritage.
Here we will explore the things you should consider when giving your children a middle name!
Family Names
A child’s middle name is a great way to honor a beloved family member. It could be someone who has passed or a living family member who means a lot to the parents. Middle names don’t need to be gender-specific, so this could be a good place to include male or female family members.
Some parents like to include family surnames, such as the mother’s maiden name, as a middle name. This allows both sides of the family to pass down their name to the child. Any name that is meaningful to the family can make a nice middle name.
Flow and Initials
Probably the most important thing parents think of when choosing their child’s name is how it all sounds together. The first, middle, and last name should flow nicely together.
Many popular middle names are short, one or two syllable names because they pair well with most first names.
If family members speak another language or have an accent, take into consideration how everyone will be pronouncing the names when determining how they fit together
Monograms are popular in Southern culture, but it is still helpful to consider your child’s initials regardless of where you live.
Monograms for women are typically in the order of first name initial, large last name initial, and then middle name initial.
For men, the initials are usually in order of first, middle, and then last name. Avoid spelling out unfortunate words with the initials.
Middle names and their initials can also be used for nicknames. For example, Mary Elizabeth can be shortened to Mary Beth. Or, Elizabeth Zoe can be shortened to the initials E. Z. As a nickname.
If you just can’t narrow it down to a first name and a middle name, you can always include multiple middle names. In the United States, most people only have one middle name, but it is common around the world to have two or more.
It is recommended not to add too many middle names though. Most paperwork only leaves a spot for a single middle name or initial and multiple names can lead to confusion.
Special Meanings
A child’s middle name is a great way to pay homage to anything that holds special meaning to the parents. Some inspiration for names includes:
- Influential people in your life
- Characters from books, movies, or television
- Locations that hold memories
- Languages that are important to the family
Have you considered a baby lounger for your little one? We’ve found the best baby loungers on the market for you to check out!
First Name for Middle Name Katherine or Catherine
If you’re considering Katherine as a middle name, we’ve compiled a list of some great first name options here.
- Addison Katherine
- Ainsley Katherine
- Anna Katherine
- Annalise Katherine
- Arabella Katherine
- Audrey Katherine
- Bethany Katherine
- Blair Katherine
- Brooke Katherine
- Brynn Katherine
- Camille Katherine
- Charlotte Katherine
- Chloe Katherine
- Claire Katherine
- Daphne Katherine
- Delilah Katherine
- Diana Katherine
- Edith Katherine
- Eliana Katherine
- Elizabeth Katherine
- Ember Katherine
- Esther Katherine
- Felicity Katherine
- Finley Katherine
- Frances Katherine
- Genevieve Katherine
- Gianna Katherine
- Grace Katherine
- Greta Katherine
- Hadley Katherine
- Hannah Katherine
- Hazel Katherine
- Isla Katherine
- Ivy Katherine
- Jade Katherine
- Jenna Katherine
- Joelle Katherine
- Julia Katherine
- Juliet Katherine
- Kendra Katherine
- Kimberly Katherine
- Laurel Katherine
- Lily Katherine
- Lucille Katherine
- Lydia Katherine
- Lyla Katherine
- Maeve Katherine
- Maisie Katherine
- Mallory Katherine
- Margaret Katherine
- Margot Katherine
- Mary Katherine
- Nadia Katherine
- Nina Katherine
- Norah Katherine
- Paige Katherine
- Paisley Katherine
- Penelope Katherine
- Phoebe Katherine
- Quinn Katherine
- Rebecca Katherine
- Regina Katherine
- Rosalie Katherine
- Rowan Katherine
- Ruby Katherine
- Sadie Katherine
- Sarah Katherine
- Shelby Katherine
- Sierra Katherine
- Stella Katherine
- Tabitha Katherine
- Tessa Katherine
- Trinity Katherine
- Victoria Katherine
- Vivienne Katherine
- Willow Katherine
Nicknames for Katherine
- Cat
- Cate
- Catey
- Cath
- Catie
- Cathie
- Cathy
- Karen
- Kat
- Kate
- Katey
- Kath
- Kathie
- Kati
- Katie
- Katy
- Kay
- Kit
- Kitty
Variations of Katherine
- Catherin
- Catherina
- Catharine
- Catherine
- Cathryn
- Katharine
- Katharyn
- Katherina
- Katheryn
- Katheryne
- Kathryn
Names Similar to Katherine
- Alexandria
- Ann
- Anna
- Bethany
- Brittney
- Camilla
- Caroline
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Diana
- Elizabeth
- Emily
- Emma
- Gabriel
- Helen
- Irene
- Isabelle
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julia
- Kate
- Lilian
- Lucille
- Margaret
- Marie
- Mary
- Nicole
- Priscilla
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Tabitha
- Tiffany
- Victoria
- Wendy
Sibling Boy Names that go with Katherine
- Katherine and Alexander
- Katherine and Anderson
- Katherine and Andrew
- Katherine and Asher
- Katherine and Austin
- Katherine and Beau
- Katherine and Benjamin
- Katherine and Bentley
- Katherine and Brooks
- Katherine and Cade
- Katherine and Charles
- Katherine and Cody
- Katherine and Cole
- Katherine and Daniel
- Katherine and Dominic
- Katherine and Edward
- Katherine and Evan
- Katherine and Harrison
- Katherine and Heath
- Katherine and Henry
- Katherine and Ivan
- Katherine and Jacob
- Katherine and Jeremiah
- Katherine and Jonathan
- Katherine and Keegan
- Katherine and Levi
- Katherine and Lincoln
- Katherine and Luke
- Katherine and Mason
- Katherine and Michael
- Katherine and Miles
- Katherine and Nathaniel
- Katherine and Nolan
- Katherine and Oliver
- Katherine and Philip
- Katherine and Preston
- Katherine and Rhett
- Katherine and Robert
- Katherine and Samuel
- Katherine and Sawyer
- Katherine and Spencer
- Katherine and Theodore
- Katherine and Thomas
- Katherine and Walter
- Katherine and William
Sibling Girl Names that go with Katherine
- Katherine and Alexandra
- Katherine and Alice
- Katherine and Amelia
- Katherine and Beatrice
- Katherine and Blaire
- Katherine and Bridget
- Katherine and Camille
- Katherine and Caroline
- Katherine and Cecelia
- Katherine and Charlotte
- Katherine and Deborah
- Katherine and Delilah
- Katherine and Eleanor
- Katherine and Emily
- Katherine and Emmeline
- Katherine and Felicity
- Katherine and Florence
- Katherine and Genevieve
- Katherine and Gianna
- Katherine and Helena
- Katherine and Isabelle
- Katherine and Jacqueline
- Katherine and Josephine
- Katherine and Juliet
- Katherine and Kristin
- Katherine and Lean
- Katherine and Lily
- Katherine and Lucille
- Katherine and Madeline
- Katherine and Margaret
- Katherine and Megan
- Katherine and Noelle
- Katherine and Olivia
- Katherine and Penelope
- Katherine and Piper
- Katherine and Quinn
- Katherine and Rebecca
- Katherine and Rosalie
- Katherine and Samantha
- Katherine and Sarah
- Katherine and Sloane
- Katherine and Tabitha
- Katherine and Theresa
- Katherine and Victoria
- Katherine and Willow
Outdoor swings are so much fun for little ones! Take a peek at these outdoor baby swings to find the perfect one for your child.
History of the Name Katherine or Catherine
Katherine was born by the 4th century saint Katherine of Alexandria. She was venerated in Syria, and returning crusaders introduced the name to Western Europe.
During the 13th century, the name increased in popularity due to the publication of The Golden Legend. This medieval compilation told the stories of over 200 saints. Saint Katherine became one of the most idolized women of the High Middle Ages.
Katherine became used across the West in all linguistic forms. Katherine and Catherine became the standard by the later Middle Ages.
Currently, both spellings are regularly used in the English-speaking world.
According to the Social Security Administration, Katherine has been on the popular baby name list since the government started keeping track in the late 19th century. Katherine has spent most of her time on the charts as a top 100 girl’s name. The most popular year thus far was in 1991 in the 25th spot.
As of 2021, Katherine ranks as the 158th most popular girl’s name in the United States.
Catherine has been on the popular baby naming charts just as long as Katherine. It remained a top 100 name until 1998, hopped back up in 1999, and dropped back down below 100 in 2002. As of 2021, Catherine ranks as the 325th most popular girl’s name in the United States.
Kathryn has also been on the popular naming charts since the late 19th century. It enjoyed quite a few years as a top 100 girl’s name before starting to decline on the list in the early 2000s. As of 2021, Kathryn ranks as the 595th most popular girl’s name.
Famous People with the Name Katherine or Catherine
| Katherine | Princess of Greece and Denmark, daughter of Constantine I |
| Katherine of Aragon | one of Henry VIII’s wives |
| Katherine Cassidy | American actress |
| Katherine Heigl | American actress in the television series Roswell and Grey’s Anatomy |
| Katherine McNamara | American actress in the film series Maze Runner |
| Katherine Moennig | American actress in the television series Ray Donovan |
| Katherine Mulgrew | American actress in the television series Star Trek: Voyager and Orange is the New Black |
| Katherine Swynford | Duchess of Lancaster, wife of John of Gaunt |
| Katherine Tudor | Princess of England, daughter of King Henry VII |
| Saint Catherine of Alexandria | century Roman martyr |
| Saint Catherine of Siena | Italian nun |
| Catherine the Great | empress of Russia |
| Catherine of Siena | 14th century mystic |
| Catherine de’ Medici | 16th century French queen |
| Catherine Bosworth | American actress in the films Superman Returns, Still Alice, and The Domestics |
| Catherine Curtin | American actress in the television series Orange is the New Black |
| Catherine Keener | American actress in the film The 40-Year Old Virgin |
| Catherine “Kate” Middleton | Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Prince William |
Fictional Characters Named Katherine or Catherine
| Katherine “Kate” | a character in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew |
| Katherine “Kate” Austen | a character on the television series Lost |
| Katherine “Kay” Corleone | a character in The Godfather series |
| Katherine “Kat” Hillard | a character in the Power Rangers series |
| Katherine “Kate” Houghton Beckett | a character on the television series Castle |
| Katherine “Kitty” Forman | a character on the television series That 70s Show |
| Katherine “Kitty” Freemont | a character in the Exodus novel by Leon Uris |
| Katherine Glendenning | a character on the television series The Paradise |
| Katherine “Kate” Kavanagh | a character in the series 50 Shades of Grey |
| Katherine Mayfair | a character on the television series Desperate Housewives |
| Katherine Petrova | a character on the television series The Vampire Diaries |
| Katherine Solomon | a character in the novel The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Lady Catherine de Bourgh | a character in the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen |
| Catherine | a character in the The Great Gatsby |
| Catherine Barkley | a character in Earnest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms |
| Catherine “Kitty” Bennet | a character in the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen |
| Catherine Chandler | a character from the television series Beauty and the Beast |
| Catherine Martell | a character in the television series Twin Peaks |
| Catherine Willows | a character in the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Katherine a biblical name?
The name Catherine and Katherine are not names that are found within the bible. The name does however have religious connections to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Catherine of Siena
Is Katherine a popular name?
Katherine was in a top 100 girl’s name position until 2017. It has maintained a position as one of the most chosen female names over the years that parents keep returning to. As of 2021, Katherine ranks as the 158th most popular girl’s name.
Is Karen short for Katherine?
Karen is the Danish short form of Katherine and has been used as a nickname for Katherine.
Final Thoughts on Middle Names for Katherine
Katherine is a classic name that has stood the test of time. Being tied to saints, royalty, and nobility, it is a name parents continue to return to for their baby girl.
If you’re considering the name Katherine for your baby, we hope our list of middle name ideas has been helpful!
MORE MIDDLE NAME IDEAS
Now that you’ve seen all the middle name ideas for Katherine, you might want to check out some middle name ideas for these similar names!
- Middle Names for Charlotte
- Middle Names for Claire
- Middle Names for Elizabeth
- Middle Names for Julia
- Middle Names for Scarlett
If you’re looking for more middle name ideas, you can find all our lists in our Middle Names section.
For more baby name ideas and inspiration head over to our Baby Names section.
Krissy lives in California with her family of three that make up “The Hadicks.” With a passion for research and helping others, The Hadicks was developed as a resource for other parents and parents-to-be!