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 273 156 0.0443%
1911 259 180 0.0483%
1912 279 222 0.044%
1913 297 221 0.039%
1914 300 265 0.038%
1915 321 308 0.0339%
1916 334 291 0.0301%
1917 350 273 0.0273%
1918 378 256 0.0239%
1919 365 276 0.0264%
1920 427 206 0.0185%
1921 392 251 0.0219%
1922 437 196 0.0176%
1923 449 185 0.0165%
1924 476 171 0.0147%
1925 522 140 0.0124%
1926 520 138 0.0125%
1927 559 115 0.0104%
1928 596 95 0.0089%
1929 606 86 0.0083%
1930 625 79 0.0076%
1931 638 67 0.0068%
1932 677 61 0.0062%
1933 755 40 0.0043%
1934 670 59 0.0061%
1935 626 67 0.0069%
1936 678 55 0.0057%
1937 838 31 0.0031%
1938 744 46 0.0045%
1939 665 63 0.0062%
1940 824 37 0.0035%
1941 681 64 0.0057%
1942 766 53 0.0042%
1943 784 55 0.0042%
1944 839 41 0.0033%
1945 957 28 0.0023%
1946 1,011 32 0.0022%
1947 930 48 0.0029%
1948 1,014 37 0.0023%
1949 887 55 0.0034%
1950 849 65 0.004%
1951 936 52 0.0031%
1952 952 52 0.003%
1953 914 62 0.0035%
1954 941 61 0.0033%
1955 969 59 0.0032%
1956 1,185 36 0.0019%
1957 781 118 0.0061%
1958 818 101 0.0053%
1959 774 128 0.0067%
1960 721 152 0.008%
1961 717 160 0.0085%
1962 701 170 0.0093%
1963 745 144 0.008%
1964 698 170 0.0097%
1965 697 153 0.0094%
1966 719 135 0.0086%
1967 747 125 0.0082%
1968 700 143 0.0095%
1969 674 170 0.011%
1970 616 223 0.014%
1971 749 150 0.01%
1972 624 199 0.0146%
1973 610 206 0.0159%
1974 497 305 0.0235%
1975 417 440 0.0342%
1976 396 478 0.0371%
1977 289 795 0.059%
1978 245 958 0.0713%
1979 208 1,239 0.0879%
1980 198 1,299 0.0888%
1981 192 1,376 0.0936%
1982 200 1,326 0.0887%
1983 199 1,302 0.0882%
1984 178 1,533 0.1031%
1985 181 1,474 0.0971%
1986 186 1,414 0.0937%
1987 191 1,427 0.0935%
1988 226 1,127 0.0723%
1989 247 1,059 0.0656%
1990 269 1,010 0.0609%
1991 290 939 0.0576%
1992 323 809 0.0507%
1993 338 743 0.0477%
1994 351 717 0.0467%
1995 372 667 0.0443%
1996 339 789 0.0527%
1997 326 848 0.0573%
1998 271 1,124 0.0751%
1999 228 1,386 0.0926%
2000 226 1,369 0.0896%
2001 200 1,590 0.1055%
2002 193 1,648 0.11%
2003 161 2,036 0.1338%
2004 147 2,215 0.1453%
2005 141 2,391 0.1564%
2006 142 2,430 0.1552%
2007 136 2,534 0.1606%
2008 139 2,407 0.1557%
2009 159 1,963 0.1313%
2010 206 1,466 0.1017%
2011 176 1,777 0.1247%
2012 190 1,631 0.1145%
2013 185 1,712 0.1202%
2014 202 1,602 0.11%
2015 216 1,457 0.1001%
2016 224 1,369 0.0949%
2017 268 1,135 0.0813%
2018 277 1,136 0.0827%
2019 312 962 0.0711%
2020 408 718 0.0564%
2021 408 691 0.0565%
2022 439 674 0.0511%
2023 472 615 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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