English and German from Greek "pure". This spelling variant is preferred to Katherine in the US.

The main spellings in the 1841 Census of Aberdeenshire are Catharine [25%], Catherine [60%], Katharine [4%], Katherine [4%]. There are many other variations in spelling. Those occurring more frequently are shown under Catherine [q.v.].

The FreeREG list of Latin names used in old documents shows Catalina as being the equivalent of Catherine and Catherina/Katherina/Katalina being the equivalent of Katherine. We are not convinced that such subtle differentiation is entirely consistent. Whatever the truth of it, care is needed when searching old documents as clearly there will be some variation in the names, even as there is today. Use truncated names [e.g. Catherin*] to avoid difficulties with Latin case endings.

Note Some details, where specific, are included under Katharine, Catherine and Catharine but, as in the Oxford Names Companion, we have given the most complete set of relationships under Katherine [q.v.].