Catalina
Meaning of Catalina
Catalina is the Spanish form of Catherine, from the Greek name Aikaterine. The origin of Aikaterine is uncertain, though early Christians linked it with katharos, the Greek word for pure. Catalina is pronounced ka-tuh-LEE-nuh in English and kah-tah-LEE-nah in Spanish.
Two famous Catherines are known in Spanish as Catalina: Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, for whom Santa Catalina Island off Southern California is named. The Colombian actress Catalina Sandino Moreno earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Maria Full of Grace.
Long an uncommon choice in the U.S., Catalina has risen in the rankings every year since 2011, when it stood at 647th. In 2025 it reached its highest rank yet, 111th, and a record 2,456 girls were given the name.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as ka-tuh-LEE-nuh (/kætəˈli:nə/)
American English
- Pronunced as ka-tuh-LEE-nuh (/kætəˈliːnə/)
Spanish
- Pronunced as kah-tah-LEE-nah (/ka.ta.ˈli.na/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Catalina
| Catalina Sandino Moreno is a Colombian actress best known for an Academy Award Best Actress nomination and a shared Silver Bear with Charlize Theron for her role in Maria Full of Grace. |
| Catalina Micaela of Spain, daughter of Philip II and Elisabeth of Valois, became Duchess of Savoy by marrying Charles Emmanuel I and repeatedly served as regent, including during his 1594 campaign. |
| Catalina Pérez - Catalina Perez Jaramillo is a Colombian goalkeeper for Racing Strasbourg and the Colombia women's national team. |
| Catalina Castaño - Catalina Castano Alvarez is a Colombian former tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 35 in July 2006. |
| Catalina Robayo Vargas is a Colombian model, TV host, and Miss Colombia 2010 who placed in the Top 16 at Miss Universe 2011. |
