Katherine Howard - The Spelling of her NameThis is a featured page






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There are many suggestions how to spell the name „Katherine“ correctly. During the 16th century, there was no rule as how you had to write your name. Without a set orthography, people were free to spell their names however they wanted to.

The name „Katherine“ is no exception. Even one of the most prominent bearers of this name, the well-educated Queen Katherine of Aragon, signed her letters as „Katherina“, „Katharine“ and „Katharina“. (And let's not forget the fact that her original name was Catalina.) Her first husband Arthur called her „Katerine“ in one of his letters, while her daughter Queen Mary spelled her name as „Kateryn“.

The case is very similar with Katherine Howard. In one surviving signature she calles herself „Katheryn“, but there also exist the versions „Catherine“ and „Kathryn“. It is therefore very hard to say which spelling is the „original“ one. Even though Kitty Howard signed as „Katheryn“ once, it doesn't mean she always did it. There simply was no orthographically fixed version.

But since there are so many versions – and so many Katherines in Tudor time – maybe it's time for another poll for Team Katherine Howard. If you guys favour a special version – soon you will be able to vote for it!




LadyLizzy
LadyLizzy
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KatherynHoward Spelling of Names 3 May 16 2009, 6:59 PM EDT by KatherynHoward
Thread started: May 1 2009, 11:26 AM EDT  Watch
I have had all of my three birth names and my married name mispelled constantly even though all are common British names and most are first preferred spellings. I am not particularly anal about it, but it can be a problem with record keeping, etc. I have had people correct it for me. My son is named "John" and people manage to screw that up. Yes, I have read everything you wrote here long before Showtime existed. We have her signature. Would you want people to vote on how you should spell your name?
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