Katherine written in Chinese
凯瑟琳 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign women named Katherine in media, passports, and translations, but as a personal name in Chinese it sounds clearly imported because the character choice follows sound more than native naming style.
3 real Chinese names for Katherine
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Katherine and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · elegant
Kǎilín
“joyful fine jade”
恺琳 echoes Katherine with a clear Ka- opening and a light lin ending that feels feminine in Chinese.
2 · warm
Kěníng
“lovely and serene”
可宁 picks up the soft Ka- feel of Katherine and compresses the rest into a smooth, natural Chinese rhythm.
3 · classic
Jiālín
“excellent jade”
嘉琳 reflects Katherine through the similar Ka/Jia opening feel and a graceful lin ending often used in women’s names.
A nickname friends might use
琳琳 Línlín: a sweet nickname meaning beautiful jade.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 林恺琳 (Lín Kǎilín). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Katherine
Katherine comes from Greek and is traditionally linked to the idea of purity.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Katherine in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 凯瑟琳, pronounced Kǎisèlín. 凯瑟琳 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign women named Katherine in media, passports, and translations, but as a personal name in Chinese it sounds clearly imported because the character choice follows sound more than native naming style.
What is a good Chinese name for Katherine?
Natural options that echo the sound of Katherine: 恺琳 (Kǎilín, “joyful fine jade”); 可宁 (Kěníng, “lovely and serene”); 嘉琳 (Jiālín, “excellent jade”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Katherine in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 凯瑟琳. As a real Chinese given name: for example 恺琳 (恺 = joyful, open-hearted, 琳 = fine jade).
Can I use 凯瑟琳 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More girls’ names starting with K
Karen · Kate · Kennedy · Kinsley
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.