Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Catherine.
National Rank (2025)
#314
All-Time Peak Rank
#18 (1914)
Total U.S. Births
667,789
Unisex Distribution0.3% Boy / 99.7% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Catherine Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Catherine
According to SSA data, Catherine achieved its highest historical rank of #18 in 1914. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1956 with 12,056 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 46.2%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Catherine scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-46.2% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record12,056Births in 1956
Years in Top 100
121yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:8,915
1890s:14,502
1900s:22,006
1910s:65,823
1920s:78,881
1930s:50,027
1940s:62,086
1950s:108,839
1960s:76,788
1970s:43,864
1980s:42,437
1990s:40,763
2000s:29,702
2010s:17,154
2020s:6,002
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesCat-he-rine
Letter Count9 Letters
Spelling ComplexityComplex
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 92.2% of SSA names. Starts with C, a letter used by only 5.7% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Catherine? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
📍 Authentic State & Regional Rankings
Highest Ranking Local Zone StateDistrict of Columbia
BabyNameAnalytics