Cato
Cato is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Wise, sagacious, or all-knowing.
Origin and history
Cato is a classic Latin name traditionally given to boys, derived from a Roman cognomen meaning wise or all-knowing. It carries strong historical ties to ancient Rome, most notably through figures like Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger. Though rare historically in the United States, it has seen a mild revival in recent years among parents seeking short, vintage classical names.
Popularity in the United States
675 babies in the United States have been named Cato since 1880. It ranks #4001 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1710.
States where it is most popular
- CA (48.8 %)
- TX (39.5 %)
- CO (11.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 6 |
| 1890-1900 | 8 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 49 |
| 1920-1930 | 41 |
| 1930-1940 | 10 |
| 1940-1950 | 28 |
| 1950-1960 | 16 |
| 1960-1970 | 6 |
| 1970-1980 | 17 |
| 1980-1990 | 18 |
| 1990-2000 | 11 |
| 2000-2010 | 58 |
| 2010-2019 | 190 |
| 2020-2029 | 217 |
Fun facts
- The name originated as a Roman cognomen awarded to individuals noted for their wisdom and shrewdness, most famous in the Porcius family.
- The name gained increased visibility in modern pop culture through characters in literary and film franchises like The Hunger Games.