Girl name · Portuguese
Catarina
“pure”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Catarina.
Explore Catarina further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Catarina — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Catarina is the Portuguese Catherine. The pure reading comes from Greek katharos and is almost certainly a later reinterpretation — early Christian writers reshaped an existing name, probably Aikaterine, to make it mean something edifying. The meaning was applied to the name rather than found in it.
Catherine of Braganza, married to Charles II, took the Portuguese habit of drinking tea to the English court, which is the single most consequential thing anyone called Catarina has done for British daily life.
Four syllables, said ka-ta-REE-nah. Long enough that a one-syllable middle is the only comfortable choice (Catarina Maz). On our vibe map it is Vintage Elegant.
More Portuguese names
Catarina sits in our Portuguese set — these share its roots.
All Portuguese names →Catarina — common questions
Is Catarina a boy or girl name?
Catarina is traditionally a girl name of Portuguese origin.
What does the name Catarina mean?
Catarina means “pure” of Portuguese origin. Catarina is the Portuguese Catherine. The pure reading comes from Greek katharos and is almost certainly a later reinterpretation — early Christian writers reshaped an existing name, probably Aikaterine, to make it mean something edifying. The meaning was applied to the name rather than found in it.
Where does the name Catarina come from?
Catarina is Portuguese in origin. Catherine of Braganza, married to Charles II, took the Portuguese habit of drinking tea to the English court, which is the single most consequential thing anyone called Catarina has done for British daily life.
What are common nicknames for Catarina?
Cata, Cat, and Rina — the short-forms parents most often use for Catarina.
How popular is Catarina?
Catarina did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Catarina you might want for the nursery.