The name originated from the Greek Αικατερίνη Aikaterinē (εκ του καθαρός: εξαγνισμένη ή εαρινή, ανοιξιάτικη). The earliest known use of the Greek name was in reference to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
The theory that the name comes from Hecate, the name of the Greek goddess of magic, is regarded by the editors of the Oxford Dictionary of First Names as unconvincing.1
Another potential origin of the name is the Armenian word Կատար gadar meaning peak or summit. In Armenian, the equivalent name is Կատարինէ Gadarine; coincidentally the ending ինէ ine is homophonous with the modern Greek verb ειναι 'she is', suggesting a macaronic phrase meaning "she is the summit".
The name has subsequently come to be associated with the Greek adjective καθαρός katharos, meaning 'pure', leading to the alternative spellings Katharine and Katherine. The former spelling, with a middle a, was more common in the past and is currently more popular in the United States than in Britain. Katherine, with a middle e, was first recorded in England in 1196 after being brought back from the Crusades.2
The theory that the name comes from Hecate, the name of the Greek goddess of magic, is regarded by the editors of the Oxford Dictionary of First Names as unconvincing.1
Another potential origin of the name is the Armenian word Կատար gadar meaning peak or summit. In Armenian, the equivalent name is Կատարինէ Gadarine; coincidentally the ending ինէ ine is homophonous with the modern Greek verb ειναι 'she is', suggesting a macaronic phrase meaning "she is the summit".
The name has subsequently come to be associated with the Greek adjective καθαρός katharos, meaning 'pure', leading to the alternative spellings Katharine and Katherine. The former spelling, with a middle a, was more common in the past and is currently more popular in the United States than in Britain. Katherine, with a middle e, was first recorded in England in 1196 after being brought back from the Crusades.2
Katharine of Avalon.
by cletis87 January 12, 2013
Get the Katharine mug.A gorgeous german girl who is a lot of fun and is really smart. She is super fast and amazing at soccer. Katharina is the nicest person you will ever meet and ALWAYS says sorry even when she didn't do.
by Isabel28 February 23, 2013
Get the Katharina mug.A girl who is every bit crazy but is a amazing friend. Don't mess with katanna or she will most likely mess up your face. Katanna's are a rare breed and if you can find a girl as amazing as her then your lucky because there is no one better at being a friend . Katanna's are usually red heads or brunettes and are extremely pretty and have beautiful eyes. She is adventurous and isn't afraid to go cliff- diving or parachuting. She looks danger in the eyes and couldn't be more brave. She also is the best person to take to a party. If you can find a katanna then you are a very lucky person.
by Crazedandfree November 18, 2013
Get the Katanna mug.by Badyearblimp2 November 3, 2010
Get the kathmandon't mug.(Pronounced "Kay-Thanks" - One word) Thanking someone for doing something that you aren't really giving them the option to do in the first place. This is always said in a sarcastic tone and there is usually a prolonged emphasis on the "s."
Honey, I know you have the flu, but please go outside and shovel the 7 feet of snow we just got last night. Kthanks.
by EmJay0325 March 11, 2011
Get the KThanks. mug.This term is often used as a synonym of "perfect". Also, if talking about a place, used as "paradise". "Nirvana" is also a good synonym, it means paradise as well. It is also like God, without Katian, everything is nothing. Simple Perfection
by KayTeeTeeDobleu April 22, 2011
Get the Katian mug.A girl with a heart bigger than the universe and eyes the color of the clear ocean beach. She can see gold where there is nothing but rust and tarnish. She is hard working and tough but has a very sensitive side. You can count on a Katha.
by {*-*} February 3, 2010
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