Star Trek: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Kathryn Janeway

It seems odd, now, to think of Captain Janeway with any other name but Kathryn. The number of times she stood tall on the bridge and delivered the powerful line, “This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager”, when facing a new species, has become iconic for her character, not to mention the countless times Chakotay added that extra personal level to a conversation by referring to her by her given name. The name “Captain Kathryn Janeway” just rolls off the tongue.

But, according to the Voyager Bible, the Captain of Voyager was originally named Elizabeth Janeway. This name, however, already belonged to a prominent American author, and so, it was decided to change the name to avoid any confusion and legal repercussions.

At the request of then-Janeway actor, Geneviève Bujold, the Captain’s name was changed to Nicole Janeway. But, of course, Bujold then stepped away from the role and the reigns were handed over to Kate Mulgrew.

As recalled in her memoir, Born With Teeth, Mulgrew was approached by Jeri Taylor during one her first make-up tests on set and informed of production’s decision to rename Voyager’s Captain, Kathryn, something Taylor believed would please their leading lady. Mulgrew recalled that she enquired about their choice of spelling and resisted the urge to suggest the more classic spelling (Katherine).

Whatever the spelling, Captain Janeway was destined to be a Kathryn.