Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Katherine.
National Rank (2025)
#186
All-Time Peak Rank
#25 (1991)
Total U.S. Births
650,926
Unisex Distribution0.3% Boy / 99.7% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Katherine 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 Katherine
According to SSA data, Katherine achieved its highest historical rank of #25 in 1991. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1990 with 11,625 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 51.7%. 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 Katherine scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-51.7% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record11,625Births in 1990
Years in Top 100
132yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:6,922
1890s:9,408
1900s:12,105
1910s:36,884
1920s:42,745
1930s:25,193
1940s:39,912
1950s:66,855
1960s:50,619
1970s:54,048
1980s:99,175
1990s:96,885
2000s:65,356
2010s:34,144
2020s:10,675
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesKat-he-rine
Letter Count9 Letters
Spelling ComplexityComplex
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 92.2% of SSA names. Starts with K, a letter used by only 7.8% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Katherine? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics