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MonDec 2

National Katherine Day – December 2, 2024

National Katherine Day is celebrated on February 12 every year. Like many other name appreciation days, National Katherine Day is dedicated to celebrating, acknowledging, and appreciating Katherines of all sizes, colors, and in different walks of life around the globe. If you’re a Katherine yourself, today is one great day to enjoy yourself, have fun, and throw a party for just being you. If you have a Katherine in your life — as a B.F.F., mom, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, teacher, or spouse — National Katherine Day is a great day to shower them with accolades, buy them gifts, and tell them how much you love having them in your life!

History of National Katherine Day

Katherine — also spelled Catherine — is a female name meaning ‘pure’ or ‘clear.’ The original form of the name in Latin is ‘Katharina’ and ‘Aikaterina’ in Greek. It derived its meaning from the Greek word ‘katharos,’ meaning ‘pure.’ This classic name has been used since around the third century and has evolved in numerous forms in different countries, such as Katharine, Katarina, Kathleen, and Kaitlin.
Other less-common English variants of the name include Katheryn, Cathryn, Kathryne, Katherin, Kathrine, Catharine, and Katharyn. Katharine was more common in the past and prevalent in the U.S. than in Britain. The first occurrence of the name Katherine was recorded in England in 1196. It is believed to have been brought back from the Crusades. Catherine and its variants have been among the 100 most popular names since 1880. Hence, Katherine and many other variants are especially popular in Christian communities and countries because of their association with many early Christian saints. Such saints included Catherine of Alexandria, Catherine of Sweden, Catherine of Genoa, Catherine of Ricci, and Catherine of Bologna.

The name Katherine is quite well-known in literature, royalty, and history, such as Catherine the Great, the empress of Russia (from 1762 to 1796); Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Another famous Catherine would be the daughter of French King and Queen Charles and Isabel in William Shakespeare’s “King Henry V.”

Katherine has also been a popular choice for fictional characters, appearing in “Desperate Housewives,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and “That ‘70s Show.” Modern versions of some of the most prevalent Katherines include actors Katharine Hepburn, Katherine Heigl, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kathy Bates, Catherine O’Hara, Catherine Keener, and Catherine Deneuve, as well as award-winning musician Katy Perry and comedian Kathy Griffin.

National Katherine Day timeline

300 A.D.
A Martyr in Egypt

St. Catherine of Alexandria is tortured to death on a spiked wheel.

1729
A Queen is Born

Catherine the Great — the empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796 — is born.

1934
Hepburn’s First Oscar

Katharine Hepburn wins Best Actress at the sixth Academy Awards.

2008
Heigl Named “Most Desirable Woman”

Lifestyle website, “AskMen.com” names actress Katherine Heigl the “most desirable woman of 2008.”

2012
Webb-McCarron Emerges as Miss Alabama

Katherine Elizabeth Webb-McCarron wins Miss Alabama U.S.A.

National Katherine Day FAQs

What does the name Katherine mean?

‘Katherine’ is a female given name with a Greek origin meaning ‘pure.’

Is Katherine a nice name?

Katherine is among the oldest, powerful, royal, saintly, classic, timeless, and popular feminine names.

Is Katherine or Catherine the original?

The original form of the female name Katherine in Latin is ‘Katharina,’ and ‘Aikaterina’ in Greek.

National Katherine Day Activities

  1. Send them your love

    If you know any Katherine worth celebrating today, don’t hesitate to do so, even if they’re far away. Reach out to them through phone calls, texts, or social media shoutouts. You could also send them gifts, as they’ll be bound to see them and thank you!

  2. Support their craft

    You can also show some love on National Katherine Day by patronizing any Katherine-owned business. This way, they’ll feel loved and appreciate your kind gesture.

  3. Throw them a party

    Celebrate this special day with your favorite Katherine with an intimate get-together. Of course, the party doesn’t have to be anything loud or big. Just have a couple of friends over so you can have a nice time.

5 Interesting Facts About Katherine Heigl

  1. Her childhood wasn’t especially pleasant

    Her older brother, Jason, died in a car accident when she was just seven; her parents divorced in 1996, and her mother was diagnosed with carcinoma.

  2. She played Isabel in two different shows

    She played alien Isabel Evans in “Roswell,” her first television series, and her breakout role as surgical resident Isobel Stevens in “Grey’s Anatomy.”

  3. She runs a nonprofit

    Katherine Heigl, alongside her mother, started a foundation, Heigl’s Hounds of Hope which mainly rescues larger dogs with behavior problems from shelters with a high kill rate and rehabilitates them.

  4. She’s a business partner with her mom

    She started her own production company — called ‘Abishag’ — with her mom, Nancy, who is also her manager.

  5. She was once a cover girl

    In 1994, she became the cover girl of “Seventeen Magazine” as a cool schoolgirl.

Why We Love National Katherine Day

  1. The name has a rich history

    The name’s rich origin evokes class, royalty, and purity. It’s a timeless name associated with queens, saints, and pop figures over centuries.

  2. It’s an opportunity to learn

    Today offers an excellent opportunity for those who haven’t heard or read much about the name. Besides the celebrations, it’s a lovely day to read about some iconic Katherines and their achievements.

  3. It celebrates greatness

    Katherine is more than just a classic name. Katherines are also great, exceptional achievers in their different fields. National Katherine Day celebrates them all!

National Katherine Day dates

YearDateDay
2024December 2Monday
2025December 2Tuesday
2026December 2Wednesday
2027December 2Thursday
2028December 2Saturday

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