Kate
Kate is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Pure.
Origin and history
Kate originated as a short form of Katherine, which traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine, traditionally associated with the concept of purity. It has long functioned as a standalone given name across the English-speaking world. In the United States, Kate remains a well-established and classic choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
85,987 babies in the United States have been named Kate since 1880. It ranks #414 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #453.
States where it is most popular
- CA (11.6 %)
- NY (8.3 %)
- TX (7.8 %)
- IL (4.6 %)
- PA (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 3,194 |
| 1890-1900 | 3,001 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,058 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,840 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,966 |
| 1930-1940 | 967 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,002 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,259 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,037 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,496 |
| 1980-1990 | 13,568 |
| 1990-2000 | 9,355 |
| 2000-2010 | 20,768 |
| 2010-2019 | 14,470 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,006 |
Famous people named Kate
- Kate Winslet: Actress
- Kate Hudson: Actress, Entrepreneur
- Kate Bush: Musician, Singer
Nicknames
Katie, Katy
Fun facts
- The name gained enduring literary fame through Shakespeare's character Katherina 'Kate' in 'The Taming of the Shrew'.
- Although traditionally linked to the Greek 'katharos' meaning pure, its ultimate ancient origins remain debated by linguists.