Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 kah-TEH-ree /kɑːtɛri/
"Pure One"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as Catherine Tekakwitha or Kateri, was a Mohawk–Tuscarora woman born in 1656. She was born into a Christian family, but her mother died shortly after her birth, and her father remarried and raised her as a pagan. She was later influenced by the Jesuit missionaries in her community and embraced Christianity. Kateri is known for her purity, courage, and faith.
The name Kateri is derived from the Greek root 'katharos', meaning pure or clean. It symbolizes virtues of purity, modesty, and righteousness. Historically, the name is associated with Saint Kateri Te…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Nurturer and healer. Gives comfort and support to others.
Life Path 1 — Independence & Leadership: Natural-born leaders, ambitious, and self-reliant.
Cultural Impact
Kateri's life story is a testament to the assimilation and interaction of different cultures during the colonial period in North America. Her legacy as the first Native American woman to be canonized (1980) represents the successful blending of Christianity and indigenous traditions, making her an inspiring figure for both Native American and Christian communities.
Spiritual Significance
Kateri's faith and devotion are deeply rooted in both her Christian beliefs and her Native American heritage. She is an embodiment of the beautiful convergence between spiritual openness and a steadfast commitment to God, as well as a symbol of hope, courage, and perseverance for all believers.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Kateri" emerges in Mary Tekakwitha (Tuscarora–Mohawk, 1656–1680) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Pure One".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~2,498 people named Kateri in the US. Peaked in 1980 with 65 recorded uses.
Kateri was born in 1656 in a Mohawk village in present-day New York. Her given name was Tekakwitha, which means 'she who bumps into things'. She was orphaned at a young age and adopted by a Christian family. She was baptized Kateri Tekakwitha in 1676, taking on the name Catherine of Siena in honor of her patron saint.
Kateri lived a very ascetic life and devoted herself to God. She spent hours in prayer and meditation, fasted frequently, and wore a hair shirt beneath her clothes. She cared for the sick and the dying, and was renowned for her holiness among the Christian community. Kateri died in 1680, at the age of 24, in a small cabin near her Iroquois village.
Modern Usage
Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American Saint, is renowned for her deep spiritual connection and commitment to her faith. In modern times, her name is often associated with Indigenous spirituality, women's rights, and environmental activism. These trends can be observed across various platforms such as social media, educational institutions, and community events. On social media, there are numerous pages and groups dedicated to Kateri and her legacy. In educational institutions, Kateri's story is often included in courses on Native American history and religious studies. Community events, such as pilgrimages to her shrine in Quebec or annual celebrations of her life, also draw attention to her role as a symbol of hope and resilience for Indigenous peoples today.
Kateri means "Pure One" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Kateri is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Kateri has Mary Tekakwitha (Tuscarora–Mohawk, 1656–1680) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Kateri is 1, associated with Independence & Leadership. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 4.
Kateri is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 2,498 people in the United States are named Kateri. The name peaked in 1980 with 65 recorded uses.
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