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Kate

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAYT /keɪt/High

Meaning: Short form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine; the meaning is uncertain but was popularly associated with the Greek katharos meaning 'pure' or 'clear' in the medieval period, a folk etymology that drove the name's widespread useMedium

In 30 seconds: Kate is the perfect short form of Katherine — crisp, one-syllable, and unmistakably classic. From Shakespeare's Kate to Princess Kate, it is a name of perpetual presence and timeless poise.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin, English
MeaningShort form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine; the meaning is uncertain but was popularly associated with the Greek katharos meaning 'pure' or 'clear' in the medieval period, a folk etymology that drove the name's widespread use
U.S. rank (2025)#522 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births576 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 85,987

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kate is a medieval short form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The precise origin of the Greek name is uncertain — possible roots include pre-Greek forms and the name Hekate (goddess of magic). The medieval association with Greek katharos (pure) gave the name a virtue-infused meaning that endured through the Christian era.

Kate has been an independent given name as well as a pet form for centuries. It appears in Shakespeare, stands alone in royal use (Princess Kate, Princess of Wales), and remains a top-tier name worldwide. Its one-syllable directness has made it an enduring cultural touchstone — sharp, confident, and entirely timeless.

Did you know? Shakespeare used the name Kate for the strong-willed heroine of The Taming of the Shrew (c. 1592) — a character so vivid and debated that she has been reinterpreted in plays, films, and novels for over four centuries.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Kate — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KatherineKatelynKatelynKatyCate

Nicknames

KatieKay

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kate Middleton (Princess of Wales) (1982–present)
    British royal, Princess of Wales, wife of Prince William.
  • ★Cate Blanchett (1969–present)
    Australian actress and two-time Academy Award winner.

If you like Kate…

Claire— one-syllable classic girls' name with the same clean, timeless elegance
Grace— one-syllable virtue-name with the same simple, polished character
June— one-syllable vintage classic with the same easy, confident feel
Nell— fellow short English classic with the same crisp, unpretentious charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kate mean?

Kate is a short form of Katherine, associated through folk etymology with Greek katharos meaning 'pure' — a crisp, classic name with royal and literary pedigree.

How do you pronounce Kate?

It is said KAYT — one syllable, rhyming with 'late.'

Is Kate a boy or girl name?

Kate is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Kate?

Kate is a timeless classic and consistently ranks in the top 200 U.S. girls' names as both a standalone name and a given name.