The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Kathryn!

Comments and insights on the name Kathryn: | Edit

As I got older, I wanted to be called "Kathryn" instead of the nickname "Katy". But whenever I introduced myself to someone new, my older friends would always say "But you can call her Katy." I can't seem to get rid of this nickname, but it seems to fit my personality.
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This is beautifully classic name with a modern, shorter, prettier spelling.
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A sophisticated, beautiful name with an elegant twist in spelling.

Kathryn Howard (1521-1542) was Henry VIII's fifth wife. He was married to Catherine of Aragon, Kathryn Howard, and Katherine Parr (among others). So this really isn't a modern spelling of the name at all, but it's the one that uses the fewest letters.

Personal experiences with the name Kathryn: | Edit

As I got older, I wanted to be called "Kathryn" instead of the nickname "Katy". But whenever I introduced myself to someone new, my older friends would always say "But you can call her Katy." I can't seem to get rid of this nickname, but it seems to fit my personality.

I love my name and wouldn't change it for the world. However people do forever spell it wrong!

I also love my name. It's sophisticated, classic, professional, and feminine. The only problem I have is that my parents chose to use the nickname "Katy" and this nickname has been more difficult to get rid of than I ever would have thought. I wish they would have just left my name alone, especially considering that I love my given name so much.

Nicknames for Kathryn: | Edit

Kay, Kate, Katie, Ryn, Katy, Kathy, Kath, Kat, Kit-Kat, Kitty

Meanings and history of the name Kathryn: | Edit

Pure as in 100%. Welsh in origin.

Famous real-life people named Kathryn: | Edit

Kathryn Bigelow, director
Kathryn Clough, Super Star digital media director
Kathryn Grayson, actress
Kathryn Sullivan, astronaut
Kathryn Morris, actress
Kathryn Erbe, actress
Kathryn Joosten, actress
Kathryn Harrold, actress
Kathryn Hahn actress
Kathryn Kuhlman, evangelist

Kathryn in song, story & screen: | Edit

Captain Kathryn Janeway, main character on the series Star Trek: Voyager.