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National Catherine Day – January 13, 2024

National Catherine Day takes place on January 13. Catherine or Katherine is associated with the adjective katharos in Greek, which means pure. It is a feminine name popular in Christian countries as it is derived from the name of the Christian saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century martyr. It has roots in Latin, French, Irish, and Anglo-Saxon. It originates from Katharina in Latin. It was among the 100 most famous names in 1880 in the U.S. and Britain, but its popularity declined in 1950.

History of National Catherine Day

The name Catherine has a significant historical significance. One such Catherine was Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female leader. At 14, Catherine was chosen as Karl Ulrich’s wife, the grandson of Peter the Great and heir to the Russian throne. Catherine arrived in Russia in 1744, but the marriage failed, filled with disappointment and humiliation. Things gradually changed for her.

After the empress died in 1761, Peter, Catherine’s husband, became the heir but ended Russia’s involvement in the ongoing Seven Years War and allied with Prussia. Catherine was favored and supported by the army. Her lover, Grigory Orlov, was stationed at St. Petersburg, and naturally, she had support from regiments at St. Petersburg. She was supported by people in both capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg, and aristocrats liked her for her liberal opinions.

In 1762, she proclaimed herself the empress and autocrat in the Kazan Cathedral. Eight days after this, Peter III was assassinated. She was crowned in Moscow in September and reigned for 34 years under the title of Catherine II. She replenished the state treasury, which was in a precarious situation since Elizabeth died, by secularizing the property of the clergy and by reducing it to state-paid functions. In 1764, she made her old lover, Stanislaw Poniatowski, the king of Poland, secure Poland, which lacked definite boundaries.

National Catherine Day timeline

1744
Catherine Arrives in Russia

Catherine marries Peter III and arrives in Russia.

1761
The Death of Elizabeth

Peter III becomes the heir and stops Russia’s involvement in the Seven Years' War.

1762
Catherine Takes Over

She proclaims herself the empress and autocrat in the Kazan Cathedral.

1764
She Secures Poland

She makes her old lover, Stanislaw Poniatowski, the king of Poland, secure Poland, which lacks definite boundaries.

National Catherine Day FAQs

What is the meaning of ‘Catherine?’

‘Catherine’ comes from a Greek word that means ‘pure.’

Is there a male version of Catherine?

Romans have a male version, which is Catalin.

What is short for Catherine?

The names Kate, Katy, Kat, e.t.c., are short for Catherine.

National Catherine Day Activities

  1. Wish a Catherine in your life

    This day is for every Catherine. So, wish all the Catherines in your life the best.

  2. Throw a party

    Throw a party and celebrate the name, Catherine. Make Catherines in your life happy.

  3. Learn the history

    Learn the rich and diverse history of the name. Learn how it became so famous.

5 Insightful Facts About Catherines

  1. Catherines in literature

    Catherine is well celebrated in literature, such as Catherine in “Wuthering Heights” and “A Farewell to Arms.”

  2. Royal Catherines

    Catherine de Medici, Catherine of Alexandria, Catherine the Great, and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, are some well-known royal Catherine.

  3. Present day

    Catherine O’Hara, Katherine Moss, a.k.a. Kate Moss, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Katherine Hughes are some well-known present-day Catherines.

  4. Ranking

    It is the 78th most popular name in the U.S.

  5. Statistics

    There are over 627,025 people with Catherine's name.

Why We Love National Catherine Day

  1. It celebrates Catherine

    This day celebrates all people with Catherine's name. It commemorates the beautiful name.

  2. It brings people joy

    This day is a day of fun and delight. Celebrate it the right way, and it will make people happy.

  3. It is a day of celebration

    It is a day of celebration and wonder. It celebrates people and history.

National Catherine Day dates

YearDateDay
2024January 13Saturday
2025January 13Monday
2026January 13Tuesday
2027January 13Wednesday
2028January 13Thursday

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