Katniss: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: kat-nis
Origin: United States
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Fictional, North America
Meaning: Katniss is derived from the name of a plant, specifically the arrowhead plant, which is a type of aquatic plant known for its edible tubers. The name became popular due to the character Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" series.

The name Katniss, typically associated with the female gender, gained significant attention and popularity in contemporary culture due to its unique and distinctive sound. Its origins can be traced back to the plant known as Sagittaria, commonly referred to as "arrowhead," reflecting themes of nature and strength. The name was notably popularized by the character Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, in the "Hunger Games" series written by Suzanne Collins. This character's portrayal as a strong, resilient, and independent young woman has contributed to the name's modern appeal. In recent years, Katniss has become emblematic of empowerment and courage, resonating particularly with those who value these attributes. The name's unique qualities and cultural relevance continue to capture the imagination of many.

Katniss Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Katniss is currently #15841 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Katniss is currently #9007 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Katniss is currently #8279 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Katniss is currently #4709 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

Baby Names A-Z

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

arrow-icon Katniss
arrow-icon