How popular is the baby name Katherine in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Katherine.

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Popularity of the baby name Katherine


Posts that mention the name Katherine

First names from King Henry III’s fine rolls (1200s)

Henry III of England
Henry III of England

I’ve got some 13th-century English names for you today!

They come from the fine rolls of Henry III of England (1216–1272).

“Fine rolls” were basically financial records. They kept track of money offered to the king in return for concessions and favors. King Henry III wasn’t the first to keep them, but they “expand[ed] considerably in size and content during Henry’s reign.”

For a time, the Henry III Fine Rolls Project — the aim of which was to “democratize the contents” of Henry III’s fine rolls “by making them freely available in English translation to everyone via a website” — hosted a sortable database of all the given names in the rolls. While that database was available, I used it to create lists of the most-mentioned male and female names. (All the names are still online, but they’re no longer sortable.)

The rankings below — which cover a wide range of birth years, and a small segment of society — aren’t the same as the single-year, society-wide baby name rankings we’re accustomed to. But they do give us a general idea of which names were the most popular during the 1200s.

Of the 8,423 male names in the fine rolls, these were the most popular:

  1. William (1,217 mentions)
  2. John (669)
  3. Richard (495)
  4. Robert (434)
  5. Henry (376)
  6. Ralph (365)
  7. Thomas (351)
  8. Walter (346)
  9. Roger (337)
  10. Hugh (297)
  11. Geoffrey (261)
  12. Simon (218)
  13. Adam (200)
  14. Nicholas, Peter (180 each)
  15. Gilbert (157)
  16. Alan (110)
  17. Phillip (109)
  18. Reginald (88)
  19. Stephen (83)
  20. Elias (66)
  21. Alexander (65)
  22. Osbert (52)
  23. Eustace (44)
  24. Andrew, Matthew (42 each)
  25. Ranulf (40)

Other names on the men’s list: Hamo, Fulk, Payn, Waleran, Drogo, Engeram, Amfrid, Ratikin, Walkelin, Bonefey, Fulcher, Hasculf, Herlewin, Joldwin, Lefsi, Marmaduke, Orm, Albizium, Cocky, Deulobene, Gwenwynwyn, Markewart.

Of the 1,314 female names in the fine rolls, these were the most popular:

  1. Alice (140 mentions)
  2. Matilda (138)
  3. Agnes (76)
  4. Margaret (69)
  5. Joan (62)
  6. Isabella (60)
  7. Emma (37)
  8. Beatrice (34)
  9. Mabel (33)
  10. Cecilia (32)
  11. Christiana (30)
  12. Hawise (29)
  13. Juliana (27)
  14. Sibyl (25)
  15. Rose (21)
  16. Sarra (16)
  17. Helewise (15)
  18. Avice, Eleanor, Eva, Lucy (14 each)
  19. Leticia (13)
  20. Felicia (12)
  21. Isolda, Margery, Petronilla (11 each)
  22. Ascelina, Edith (10 each)
  23. Phillippa (9)
  24. Amice, Elena, Katherine, Mary, Sabina (8 each)
  25. Basilia, Muriel (7 each)

Other names on the women’s list: Albrea, Amabilia, Eustachia, Idonea, Egidia, Millicent, Amphelisa, Avegaya, Barbata, Comitessa, Frethesenta, Wulveva, Alveva, Dervorguilla, Deulecresse, Elizabeth (just 1!), Flandrina, Oriolda.

A researcher working on the project reported that, of all the men mentioned in the rolls, 14.4% were named William and 7.9% were named John. She also noted that, just like today, the female names showed a greater amount of diversity:

Compared with 57.8 per cent of the men, only 51.8 per cent of the women had one of the top ten names. And 9.44 per cent of the women had names that occurred only once, whereas 3.38 per cent of the men had names that occurred only once.

See any names you like?

Sources: The Henry III Fine Rolls by David Carpenter, The Henry III Fine Rolls Project, ‘William’ most popular medieval name – King’s College London
Image: Henry III (13th-century illustration)

[Latest update: June 2023]

What gave the baby name Deirdre a boost in the 1940s?

The character Deirdre Drake (played by Dolores Moran) from the movie "Old Acquaintance" (1943).
Deirdre Drake from “Old Acquaintance“

The name Deatra appeared on the Social Security Administration’s baby name list for the first time in 1944:

  • 1946: 12 baby girls named Deatra
  • 1945: 19 baby girls named Deatra
  • 1944: 29 baby girls named Deatra [debut]
  • 1943: unlisted
  • 1942: unlisted

It was a top debut name that year, in fact.

“Deatra” confused me at first. I couldn’t figure out where it came from. Then I discovered a whole bunch of similar names that also debuted in 1944…

1943194419451946
Deatra.29*1912
Dietra.25*1617
Deitra.23*1616
Detra.20*611
Diedra.19*2716
Dedra.18*1619
Deadra.15*1212
Deedra.11*149
Deirdra.11*78
Diedre.11*1422
Deardra.10*66
Dierdra.5*55
Dieatra.5*..
Deetra.5*..
*Debut

(Dieatra was a one-hit wonder.)

All these names together these pointed me to Deirdre as the likely source.

So what happened to the Irish name Deirdre that year?

  • 1946: 121 baby girls named Deirdre (rank: 742nd)
  • 1945: 78 baby girls named Deirdre (rank: 852nd)
  • 1944: 67 baby girls named Deirdre (rank: 948th)
  • 1943: 29 baby girls named Deirdre
  • 1942: 37 baby girls named Deirdre

From 1943 to 1944, usage more than doubled, pushing Deirdre into the top 1,000 for the very first time.

Other variants (e.g. Dierdre, Deidra) also saw increased usage in 1944. One of them, Deidre, even achieved top-1,000 status in 1945.

So what caused the great Deirdre-spike of 1944?

I think it was the Bette Davis film Old Acquaintance, which was released in November of 1943. It featured a character named Deirdre Drake (played by actress Dolores Moran).

I’m not 100% sure the movie was the cause, but the name of Bette Davis’s character, Kit — short for Katherine — also saw an increase in usage in 1944:

  • 1946: 24 baby girls named Kit
  • 1945: 27 baby girls named Kit
  • 1944: 25 baby girls named Kit
  • 1943: 14 baby girls named Kit
  • 1942: 12 baby girls named Kit

So I think Old Acquaintance is a decent guess.

Do you have any other ideas?

The top girl-name debuts of 2010

lotus bud

Below are the girl name debuts of 2010.

What do I mean by “girl name debuts”? I mean girl names that never appeared on the Social Security Administration’s baby name list before 2010. That is, girl names that were never given to more than 5 baby girls in any single year on record (1880-2009).

  1. Tynlee, 42 baby girls – based on Tenley, inspired by Bachelor contestant Tenley Molzahn (thanks Brandy & Angela!)
  2. Khloei, 21
  3. Peyson, 18 – based on Payson, inspired by Make It or Break It character Payson (h/t SkyeRhyly)
  4. Tensley, 18
  5. Rossibell, 17 – from Nuestra Belleza Latina
  6. Solanch, 17
  7. Malillany, 16 – from actress Malillany Marín (h/t Angela)
  8. Emonii, 15
  9. Neytiri, 15 – the Avatar baby name!
  10. Ryden, 15
  11. Jazae, 14
  12. Winry, 14 – from anime character Winry Rockbell (h/t Angela)
  13. Addalynne, 13
  14. Alhia, 13
  15. Armonii, 13
  16. Emmelina, 13
  17. Geleah, 13
  18. Tenli, 13
  19. Bethenny, 12 – thanks to Bethenny Frankel
  20. Kenzly, 12
  21. Kynzlie, 12
  22. Naleigh, 12 – Katherine Heigl’s daughter’s nickname (Nancy + Leigh)
  23. Paisyn, 12
  24. Elyzah, 11
  25. Imar, 11
  26. Koraline, 11
  27. Olyviah, 11
  28. Reighlynn, 11
  29. Tynleigh, 11
  30. Anberlyn, 10
  31. Ariabella, 10
  32. Avaiyah, 10
  33. Chrissette, 10 – based on Chrisette, inspired by Chrisette Michele
  34. Collyns, 10
  35. Fatimazahra, 10
  36. Haydenn, 10
  37. Mahrosh, 10
  38. Naleia, 10
  39. Paycen, 10
  40. Reemas, 10
  41. Sookie, 10 – from True Blood barmaid Sookie Stackhouse (nice job Jamie & Amanda!)
  42. Vaya, 10

Given to 9 baby girls:
Celiana, Emelynn, Evelet, Hartleigh, Javeyah, Jazayah, Josenid, Juiliana, Juleena, Kailaya, Kanylah, Kollins, Maielle, Mayukha, Millani, Mishika, Phinley, Rayanah, Rozalie, Ryleighann, Sui, Sukhleen, Tinslee, Yahvi, Zaydie, Zaylyn

Given to 8 baby girls:
Agrima, Ahriyah, Aliiyah, Azula, Baiya, Bentlea, Breyelle, Ceriyah, Cymphony, Dieynaba, Dynver, Ellody, Emiliya, Emuna, Enajiah, Hailo, Harloe, Heldana, Honestii, Insiya, Jamilyah, Janielys, Kadira, Karmynn, Kiralee, Koli, Lilyah, Mahlaya, Malinalli, Mckinsley, Muniba, Naiyla, Paysli, Phallyn, Sahanna, Saraji, Sopheya, Success, Tarijah, Tinzley, Vedanshi, Veya, Vung, Yaara, Yaila, Zaliya, Zhuri, Zylee

Given to 7 baby girls:
Adalayde, Adaleena, Amairah, Analyz, Anjeliett, Armiya, Attalia, Aylynn, Brees, Brennley, Brently, Brindle, Caylinn, Copelyn, Coralyne, Crisette (see above), Daisymae, Dannaly, Daylani, Daymi, Delaili, Dubraska, Ellye, Emrys, Emyiah, Evoleht, Fynn, Giyanna, Guilliana, Hazelynn, Isabelah, Ishwari, Jaxsyn, Jenisys, Kaashvi, Kalashia, Kamella, Kerlin, Keylli, Kinli, Lochlynn, Lunabella, Luxi, Lyliah, Lynli, Macilynn, Makenzii, Makynleigh, Malaun, Malillani, Maliyani, Marayla, Mckenzii, Mehjabeen, Monzeratt, Naledi, Nazari, Nechy, Nesia, No, Noriana, Oluwasemilore, Paetynn, Petal, Phenyx, Portland, Rhyon, Rosealyn, Rylenn, Sajda, Tenlie, Tennley, Tinleigh, Tinzlee, Westyn, Yoona, Yorley, Zriah, Zykayla, Zynah

Given to 6 baby girls:
Aareona, Abela, Adallyn, Adalyna, Addisin, Addysn, Adelayne, Ahnalee, Ahnisty, Aiyani, Akyria, Aleemah, Alianys, Allieanna, Alyka, Amyliah, Aneeqa, Anleigh, Annalin, Architha, Arielyz, Ariyunna, Asiel, Aveleen, Avereigh, Averylynn, Ayati, Aydree, Aydrianna, Ayleigh, Ayvrie, Bellasophia, Benelli, Bixby, Braelie, Breelee, Brithny, Bryndal, Celisse, Chayden, Chesleigh, Coralina, Daeun, Dannaka, Dannely, Daryna, Delajah, Delilha, Denylah, Ealyn, Elaia, Emalyne, Emellia, Emelya, Emmelin, Emmrie, Enalina, Ereny, Esmi, Faya, Garner, Haizley, Haliana, Hartlyn, Haydi, Hazelee, Hikma, Hudsen, Ilhaan, Inci, Innessa, Ivyunna, Ixareli, Jahlissa, Jahziah, Janihya, Japneet, Jasilynn, Jasya, Jaydelyn, Jaylamarie, Jaylanni, Jayliany, Jazari, Jenessis, Jeraldyn, Jerely, Jeriana, Jhourni, Kamiyha, Kamyree, Karizmah, Kawsar, Kayleeanne, Kaymani, Kayzlee, Kealynn, Kemariyah, Kevaeh, Khaelyn, Khaleia, Khloye, Kimyia, Kinzlie, Kiylie, Kollyn, Kylaya, Kynnlie, Kynzley, Laliyah, Layelle, Lazariya, Leilanii, Lev, Lexanie, Lianett, Lillyaunna, Lilyiana, Liylah, Lizsandra, Logynn, Loxley, Lucillia, Luxx, Lyannah, Lyndin, Madilene, Maesie, Mafata, Mahal, Majorie, Makeira, Malinah, Maxim, Maybelin, Mays, Mckynli, Miabelle, Mickaylah, Milaun, Nabella, Nayloni, Nayome, Nayonika, Neomy, Nevaha, Nilani, Nitasha, Nylayah, Oluwaferanmi, Omiyah, Paesyn, Pahal, Paisely, Phoenixx, Prakriti, Pushti, Quinlee, Quinnley, Raiyah, Rajana, Rayleah, Rehan, Reja, Rhylen, Rimya, Ruaa, Ruah, Ruslana, Rylii, Saanvika, Sachika, Sadora, Salea, Sameriah, Samiira, Samriddhi, Sanchi, Sanylah, Savi, Shanvi, Sharleez, Shasmeen, Skilah, Sophiaann, Sukie, Swasti, Swayzie, Tabata, Tamariana, Tarajhi, Tazkia, Tazlyn, Tenly, Tyjanay, Xinyu, Xyliah, Yashaswini, Yaxiry, Zabdy, Zairy, Zaiyah, Zakarah, Zamoni, Zarihya, Zaylen, Ziannah, Zoeylynn, Zurielle, Zynae, Zyriyah, Zyyanna

Given to 5 baby girls (a few highlights from a much longer list):
Abyssinia, Aveda, Corabella, Endsley, Julivette, Misk, Nevaehtnes, Polaris, Shiphrah, Vidula, Wengel, Zealand

(See the top boy name debuts of 2010.)

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from LotusBud0048a (public domain) by Frank “Fg2” Gualtieri

Popular baby names in 17th- and 18th-century New England

Elizabeth Clarke Freake (Mrs. John Freake) and Baby Mary (early 1670s)

Caitlin GD Hopkins posted lists of historically popular baby names in Boston, MA, and Windsor, CT, at her blog Vast Public Indifference earlier today.

Using a book of birth records for Boston, she came up with the top male and female names given to babies born in Boston in 1710:

Girl names (Boston, 1710)Boy names (Boston, 1710)
1. Mary
2. Elizabeth
3. Sarah
4. Abigail
5. Susanna
6. Hannah
7. Ann/Anna
8. Rebecca, Lydia (2-way tie)
9. Jane, Martha (2-way tie)
10. Johanna, Katherine, Lucy, Margaret, Mercy, Ruth (6-way tie)		1. John
2. William
3. Thomas
4. James
5. Samuel, Joseph (2-way tie)
6. Nathaniel
7. Jonathan
8. Richard, Henry, Daniel (3-way tie)
9. Abraham, Benjamin, Ebenezer, Edward, Francis, Josiah, Robert (7-way tie)

Then she used church records from 1635 to 1680 to come up with a similar list for Windsor, CT (which is about 100 miles southwest of Boston):

Girl names (Windsor, 1600s)Boy names (Windsor, 1600s)
1. Mary
2. Sarah
3. Elizabeth
4. Abigail
5. Hanna
6. Rebecca
7. Ann/Anna, Deborah (2-way tie)
8. Joanna, Martha (2-way tie)
9. Esther/Hester, Mindwell (2-way tie)
10. Hepzibah		1. John
2. Samuel
3. Thomas
4. Nathaniel
5. Joseph
6. Josiah
7. Benjamin
8. Jonathan
9. Isaac
10. Daniel, William (2-way tie)
11. Timothy
12. James

Caitlin noted an interesting “secular/Biblical divide” between baby names chosen at the two locations.

Update: Hopkins just posted a follow-up post with more interesting name commentary.