[1] In the early Christian era it came to be associated with the Greek adjective καθαρός (katharos), meaning 'pure'.

This influenced the name's English spelling, giving rise to variants Katharine and Catharine.

[2][3][4][5] Diminutives include: Katie, Katy, Kate, Kathy, Kathe, Kath, Kay, Kat, Katja or Katya, Kota, Katyusha, Katrya, Kitty, Kit, Kasia; many of these are also sometimes given as independent names.

[1] The following is a list of various forms of the name Katherine, all ultimately associated with a common Greek-language origin of uncertain meaning but influenced by the Ancient Greek: καθαρός, 'pure'.

The list includes short or pet forms (hypocorisms), associated with Katherine or one of its variants: