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If a name was ever popular and then fell from popularity, then yes it can be dated, and it doesn't matter how old and/or classic it is. It's possible that Katherine and all its variants will sound dated, if they fall in popularity enough.

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I do think it's a tad boring due to centuries of overuse, yet it's not as boring to me as Mary and Jane are. It's like Elizabeth that way.

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I like Kate and Katie as nicknames.

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In order of preference:

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Katherine
Catherine
Kathryn
Katharine (I always want to take an eraser, rub that A out, and replace it with an E)