An Analysis: Poll #1

I didn't do this for the first poll I put up, but I thought I would do an analysis of the polls so I (and you) can comment on the results. I don't vote in the polls, so I can also let you know what my answer would have been. :)

Which is your preferred spelling?
1. Catherine (4, 17%)
2. Katharine (1, 4%)
3. Katherine (7, 30%)
4. Kathryn (11, 47%)

Total of 23 votes

I have to say, I am surprised at these results. I thought for sure there would be more preference for the "traditional" spellings of either Catherine or Katherine. I am very surprised that Kathryn won by so much. I would have voted along with the majority. I am usually one who dislikes alternate spellings for names, but Kathryn is one of the few that I do prefer. Although, Katharine is growing on me, just because it looks more elegant with the "a" in the middle. But I wouldn't choose that way to spell it for my own kid due to spelling confusion. Anyway, Kathryn has always seemed very pretty to me. I love the nickname of Kat too, and because I'm weird, I see it more as a nn for Kathryn than Katherine. Kate (or Katie) is more for Katherine, probably because of the presence of the "e." And as for Catherine, I do like it, and I like the spelling of Cate too. I'm not sure if I prefer one over the other though (Cate vs. Kate). Maybe you guys have a preference?

Some interesting information: In 2006, Katherine ranked the highest of the spellings at #36 (according to the SSA). The others ranks as follows: Catherine #122, Kathryn #144, and Katharine #906. All of them are falling in popularity over the past several years.

All-in-all, Katherine is one of my favorite names, no matter how it is spelled. It is a much-deserved classic. What are your thoughts on these results (if you have any)?