| Meaning | pure |
| Origin | English, Greek |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 7 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Kath-ryn |
This distinguished name represents enduring elegance and classical beauty. Kathryn stands as a testament to timeless naming choices that never lose their appeal regardless of shifting trends. The 'yn' spelling variation adds sophistication and visual interest, distinguishing it from more standard spellings while maintaining the name's essential character. Kathryn carries an air of intelligence and capability, suggesting someone who will excel in academic and professional pursuits.
The name has graced countless accomplished women throughout history, providing positive role models for any girl bearing this name. Its versatility shines through the numerous nickname options—Kate, Katie, Kathy, Kat, Ryn—each offering a different flavor while maintaining connection to the formal name. Kathryn works across all cultural contexts and age groups, remaining appropriate and attractive from infancy through old age. It's a name that commands respect without being intimidating, and maintains warmth without sacrificing strength. For parents valuing tradition, substance, and proven staying power, Kathryn delivers completely.
| Kate |
| Kathy |
| Kat |
| Kati |
| Kathie |
| Kathryn Bigelow | Award-winning film director |
| Kathryn Grayson | American actress and singer |
| Kathryn Morris | American actress |
| Kathryn Newton | American actress |
| Kathryn Joosten | American actress |
| Kathryn Tucker Windham | American author and storyteller |
| Kathryn Stockett | American novelist |
| Kathryn Sullivan | American astronaut and oceanographer |
| Kathryn Lasky | American children's author |
| Kathryn Hahn | American actress |
| Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo | Filipina actress |
| Kathryn Caskie | American romance novelist |
| Kathryn Prescott | English actress |
| Kathryn Erbe | American actress |
| Kathryn Budig | American yoga teacher and author |
| Kathryn Kenny | American author of the "Trixi Belden" book series |
| Kathryn Gray | American artist and illustrator |
| Kathryn Hall | American winemaker and vintner |
| Kathryn E. Granahan | American politician and U.S. Representative |
| Kathryn Loder | American figure skater |
| Kathryn Merteuil | Character in "Cruel Intentions" |
| Kathryn Janeway | Character in "Star Trek - Voyager" |
| Kathryn Vale | Character in the movie "The Perfect Host" |
| Kathryn Kennish | Character in the TV series "Switched at Birth" |
| Kathryn Gilhuly | Character in the book "The Face on the Milk Carton" |
| Kathryn Hulme | Character in the book "The Nun's Story" |
| Kathryn Tully | Character in the TV series "Game of Thrones" |
| Kathryn Nolan | Character in the TV series "Once Upon a Time" |
| Kathryn Quinn | Character in the book "The Kindness Club" |
| Kathryn O'Malley | Character in the TV series "Chicago Hope" |
| Kathryn Rickman | Character in the book "The Anodyne Necklace" |
| Kathryn Shepard | Character in the video game "Mass Effect" |
| Kathryn Wade | Character in the movie "Under Suspicion" |
| Kathryn Davis | Character in the book "The Lake of Dead Languages" |
| Kathryn Crane | Character in the TV series "American Gothic" |
| Kathryn Murphy | Character in the movie "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper" |
| Kathryn Veal | Character in the book "Murder in the Cathedral" |
| Kathryn Eastwood | Character in the movie "Jersey Boys" |
| Kathryn Sutherland | Character in the TV series "The Americans" |