Katalina is a spelling of Catalina, the Spanish form of Katherine, which has long been linked to the Greek katharos, "pure"; the K gives it a Hungarian or Slavic look, where Katalin is the standard form. Santa Catalina Island off the California coast adds a sunny association. Katalina entered the US top 1000 in 2012 and has risen steadily to number 430 in 2025, its best rank yet.