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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Katherine or Catherine?

86 replies

LadyStark · 30/09/2015 21:06

We can't decide.

Nickname is going to be Kit/Kitty so leaning towards Katherine as it feels more natural but wondered if there was a consensus on the best spelling?

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DandyDan · 30/09/2015 21:15

Katherine (or Katharine) is best - it's from the Greek (possibly Katharos = pure, but there are other suggested derivations too) and comes with a "k" in all its original source-words.

Catherine makes it difficult to shorten it to something with a K (or at least a little odd - like Kate Middleton who is Catherine)

BackforGood · 30/09/2015 21:16

I think life is more straightforward if your nickname starts with the same letter as your full name if it's practical.

YellowOfficeBlock · 30/09/2015 21:16

I prefer Catherine.
It's my dd's name and we call her Cat or KitKat Smile

Wishful80smontage · 30/09/2015 21:22

Catherine nn kitty was on my list but its a ds not dd this time. I think Kitty is fine for either spelling- look at shortenings for other names that begin with different letter Kit for Christopher, Betsy for Elizabeth, Ted for Edward etc
I love kitty :)

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 30/09/2015 21:28

If you're going to use Kitty as a nn then Katherine.

Princerocks · 30/09/2015 21:30

I love Catherine.

LadyStark · 30/09/2015 21:45

Thanks all, bit of a mix of opinions which means we can go either way I guess! Genuinely just personal preference which is not helpful Grin

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Finallyonboard · 30/09/2015 21:47

Much prefer Katherine.

Newlywed56 · 30/09/2015 21:48

Or how about Kathryn Smile

Sophronia · 30/09/2015 21:59

Katharine is my favourite.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 30/09/2015 22:00

Katherine

Love Kitty

BondGate · 30/09/2015 22:04

Katherine

Daphnedolittle · 30/09/2015 22:05

Katharine is my favourite followed by Katherine, then Catherine. Least favourite is Kathryn.

SmugairleRoin · 30/09/2015 22:12

Catherine is far nicer looking imo.

LaContessaDiPlump · 30/09/2015 22:14

Katerina!

I have a fondness for Kathryn though.

LaContessaDiPlump · 30/09/2015 22:16

Oh and the Kathryn I knew used to be referred to by her dad as Katy Cough-drop. As you do Grin

LaContessaDiPlump · 30/09/2015 22:16

Oh and the Kathryn I knew used to be referred to by her dad as Katy Cough-drop. As you do Grin

ashesandfire · 30/09/2015 22:18

I've always thought that Catherine looks so much nicer than Katherine. Less spiky somehow?! Softer.
I suppose that with Kitty as a nn it makes more sense to have Katherine but agree with wishful that there are plenty of names with nns that start with a different letter so not sure it matters.
You can spell Kate with a C ....Cate Blanchett

nickelbabe · 30/09/2015 22:23

i prefer Katherine.

Chasingsquirrels · 30/09/2015 22:29

It is a name that you forever have to spell for people. Using the K form gives more variants, Catherine with a C isn't usually anything else, Katherine with a K could also be Kathryn or Katharine.
Combine it with a surname that always needs spelling and grrrrr.

Guess my name :)

FanOfSpam · 30/09/2015 22:33

Oh please disabuse me of the notion that both versions are the most uninspired names in the world.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 30/09/2015 22:38

Why should anyone disabuse you FanOfSpam? How odd Confused. Assuming you aren't considering calling your daughter Katherine or Catherine.

Onedirectionarestillloved · 30/09/2015 23:04

Catherine.

Lots of nn start with a different letter.
Ted, Tony, Betty, Liz, Milly, Nell, Belle and so on.

I think spelling IT with a c looks nicer and you are less likely to have to spell it out.

Fanofspam- how is it uninspired?
I always imagine Catherine from Wuthering Heights when I think of Catherine.

BondGate · 30/09/2015 23:14

Katherine and Catherine are both currently well outside the top 100 girls names. So arguably quite unusual baby names.

LadyStark · 30/09/2015 23:20

I prefer to think of the name as classic instead of uninspired but each to their own! Would love you to share your DC's inspiring names? It's not too late to spare my child Wink

I agree that Catherine feels softer and looks nicer but that Katherine is a better fit with nickname.

Maybe I will flip a coin?

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