Pure, clear, and innocent are a few of the words that come up when looking into the meaning of the name Catherine. There are endless websites that try to tackle the meaning of a name. Keep looking and looking and you can weave the web that connects each of these meanings. Different locations and backgrounds can tell you a lot about each name. Maybe whoever named that person had the meaning in mind, maybe they just liked the name, maybe it was passed down.

My Dad's Mom and my Mom's sister were both named Catherine. I chose it as my confirmation name, noting how special it was that the name of this saint was also the name of two people I really loved. I had to write about why I picked this name, that part was easy for me. At the time my Grandma was already gone and to have her name be a part of me would keep her closer. My Aunt lived in Minnesota my entire life. Far enough away that I didn't see her nearly as much as I saw the rest of my family.

I like to think about what I'll name my own kids one day. Recently I've been thinking the name Catherine for a daughter I hope to have one day. I figured we could call her Kay like we called my grandma. I always thought that was a pretty beautiful nickname that I'd love to pass down. Now my Aunt Catherine has passed away too, and to honor them both in that way is something special.

My family is full of Patrick's also. There's my brother Patrick, Uncle Patrick, Grandpa Patrick, and cousin Patrick Joseph, though we call him PJ. It isn't a direct line of Patrick Juniors and Seniors, but I think that is what makes it unique and fun. At Thanksgiving we were asking PJ to say different names, and then pointed around the room at each Patrick and he'd repeat "Pat!" Excited to know his own name and share it with others.

There are so many reasons to pick a name or to choose not to. I think the best reason may be to name someone after another that you love. There is something special in passing on a name, it can be a middle name, a first name, or a confirmation name. Each one holds its own meaning, whether it shows up on a google search, or is something developed throughout someone's life.