Kate Name Meaning

The name Kate has a meaning that is as pure and lovely as the person who bears it. It symbolizes purity, grace, and inner strength. It’s a name that is perfect for a girl who is destined to be a leader and a role model.

History of the Name Kate

Kate, also spelled as Kathryn or Katherine, has been a popular name for centuries. It has roots in Greek and Latin, and was originally spelled “Katharos,” meaning “pure.” In the Middle Ages, the name became popular among European royalty, with several queens and princesses bearing the name.

One of the most famous historical figures to bear the name Kate is Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. Despite her marriage to one of the most infamous kings in history, Kate (as she was known) remained strong and determined, refusing to give up her title as Queen of England.

Origins of the Name Kate

The name Kate is derived from the Greek name “Katharos,” which means “pure.” In the Middle Ages, the name was often given to girls who were expected to lead virtuous lives. It was also a popular name among European royalty, with several queens and princesses bearing the name.

Popularity of the Name Kate

Throughout the centuries, the name Kate has remained popular among parents. It’s a name that has a timeless appeal, remaining consistently popular for many years. In recent years, Kate has been consistently in the top 100 most popular names for girls in the United States.

Final Thoughts on the Name Kate

In conclusion, Kate is an enduring classic name that has stood the test of time. It’s a name that is full of grace, inner strength and pureness. It’s a name that parents can trust to be perfect for a girl who will be a leader and role model. It’s a name that will always be in style, and always adored by those who hear it.

Infographic of Kate name meaning, which is A shortened form of Katherine, Kate is an English name meaning pure.
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Kate Name Popularity

How popular is the name Kate? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 156 0.0443%
1911 — 180 0.0483%
1912 — 222 0.044%
1913 — 221 0.039%
1914 — 265 0.038%
1915 — 308 0.0339%
1916 — 291 0.0301%
1917 — 273 0.0273%
1918 — 256 0.0239%
1919 — 276 0.0264%
1920 — 206 0.0185%
1921 — 251 0.0219%
1922 — 196 0.0176%
1923 — 185 0.0165%
1924 — 171 0.0147%
1925 — 140 0.0124%
1926 — 138 0.0125%
1927 — 115 0.0104%
1928 — 95 0.0089%
1929 — 86 0.0083%
1930 — 79 0.0076%
1931 — 67 0.0068%
1932 — 61 0.0062%
1933 — 40 0.0043%
1934 — 59 0.0061%
1935 — 67 0.0069%
1936 — 55 0.0057%
1937 — 31 0.0031%
1938 — 46 0.0045%
1939 — 63 0.0062%
1940 — 37 0.0035%
1941 — 64 0.0057%
1942 — 53 0.0042%
1943 — 55 0.0042%
1944 — 41 0.0033%
1945 — 28 0.0023%
1946 — 32 0.0022%
1947 — 48 0.0029%
1948 — 37 0.0023%
1949 — 55 0.0034%
1950 — 65 0.004%
1951 — 52 0.0031%
1952 — 52 0.003%
1953 — 62 0.0035%
1954 — 61 0.0033%
1955 — 59 0.0032%
1956 — 36 0.0019%
1957 — 118 0.0061%
1958 — 101 0.0053%
1959 — 128 0.0067%
1960 — 152 0.008%
1961 — 160 0.0085%
1962 — 170 0.0093%
1963 — 144 0.008%
1964 — 170 0.0097%
1965 — 153 0.0094%
1966 — 135 0.0086%
1967 — 125 0.0082%
1968 — 143 0.0095%
1969 — 170 0.011%
1970 — 223 0.014%
1971 — 150 0.01%
1972 — 199 0.0146%
1973 — 206 0.0159%
1974 — 305 0.0235%
1975 — 440 0.0342%
1976 — 478 0.0371%
1977 — 795 0.059%
1978 — 958 0.0713%
1979 — 1,239 0.0879%
1980 — 1,299 0.0888%
1981 — 1,376 0.0936%
1982 — 1,326 0.0887%
1983 — 1,302 0.0882%
1984 — 1,533 0.1031%
1985 — 1,474 0.0971%
1986 — 1,414 0.0937%
1987 — 1,427 0.0935%
1988 — 1,127 0.0723%
1989 — 1,059 0.0656%
1990 — 1,010 0.0609%
1991 — 939 0.0576%
1992 — 809 0.0507%
1993 — 743 0.0477%
1994 — 717 0.0467%
1995 — 667 0.0443%
1996 — 789 0.0527%
1997 — 848 0.0573%
1998 — 1,124 0.0751%
1999 — 1,386 0.0926%
2000 — 1,369 0.0896%
2001 — 1,590 0.1055%
2002 — 1,648 0.11%
2003 — 2,036 0.1338%
2004 — 2,215 0.1453%
2005 — 2,391 0.1564%
2006 — 2,430 0.1552%
2007 — 2,534 0.1606%
2008 — 2,407 0.1557%
2009 — 1,963 0.1313%
2010 — 1,466 0.1017%
2011 — 1,777 0.1247%
2012 — 1,631 0.1145%
2013 — 1,712 0.1202%
2014 — 1,602 0.11%
2015 — 1,457 0.1001%
2016 — 1,369 0.0949%
2017 — 1,135 0.0813%
2018 — 1,136 0.0827%
2019 — 962 0.0711%
2020 — 718 0.0564%
2021 — 691 0.0565%
2022 — 674 0.0511%
2023 — 615 0.0475%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Kate

If you like Kate, you’ll love these other names like Kate.

What names are variants of Kate?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Kate.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Cait

Pure

Greek

Caitie

Pure

Greek

Cate

Pure

Greek

Catee
Catey

Pure

Greek

Catie

Pure

Greek

Kaethe
Kait

Pure

Greek

Kaite
Kaitlin

Pure

Irish

Katee

Pure

Greek

Katey

Pure

Greek

Kathe
Kati

Pure

Greek

Katie

Pure

English

What names sound like Kate?

If you like how Kate sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Kate.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Kade

Pure

Greek

Kat

Pure

Greek

Kata

Pure

Greek

Katt
Katy

Pure

Greek

What names are similar to Kate?

Find a name that’s like Kate, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Catherine

Pure

Greek

Lists With Kate

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Kate.

Siblings of Kate

Mamas with kids named Kate also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Carter

Cart user

English

Chadley

8 Comments

  1. I could not be happier having been given the name Kate as my first name. I was uncomfortable naming one of our daughters, Kate, but I would have had my parents not taken it. I love it. I have never met a Kate who did not like her name. My nickname was Katy growing up. Perfection.

    Reply

  2. My favourite name! I remembered I got mad at my mum for not calling me Kate. I was six then. I love this name! I’m not a fan of Katherine however, Kate is my favourite.

    Reply

  3. I always wanted a baby girl named Kate, because it’s a simple and elegant name. My husband and I had three sons, and we didn’t planned a fourth child, but I became pregnant again after 16 years my last birth. I am 47 now, I have a 3 years old daughter, a 19, 21, 25 years old son, and a 2 years old granddaughter named Lisa. Our family is maybe weird, but I am very happy with my little girl Kate Louise

    Reply

  4. I like it.Simple and means pure.

    Reply

  5. I love it for its simplicity and it’s elegance

    Reply

  6. I love it for its simple yet elegant feel

    Reply

  7. I love the name for its simplicity and it’s meaning: Pure

    Reply

  8. It’s pretty classy and straightforward. And we have a long, difficult to spell last name so we wanted her to have a name that wouldn’t take forever to write!

    Reply

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