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Kathy
Pronounced KATH-ee /ˈkæθ.i/Medium
Meaning: pure (diminutive of Katherine)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
As a diminutive of Katherine, Kathy inherits the Greek root behind 'pure' and the long history of Katherine across European naming. Where the full name feels formal, Kathy reads casual and approachable, which is part of why it became a familiar standalone given name. It sits in the same family as other Katherine short forms like Kate and Kat.
The name has a soft, mid-century ring to it, and its variations show how flexibly Katherine can be trimmed: Kat, Kate, Kathi, Kathie, and Kay all reach back to the same source. Actresses Kathy Bates and Kathy Baker have both carried it to wide recognition.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Kathy Baker (1950–present)American actress, three-time Emmy winner for Picket Fences.
- ★Kathy Bates (1948–present)American actress, Best Actress Oscar winner for Misery.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kathy mean?
Kathy means 'pure', a diminutive of Katherine associated with the Greek word katharos.
How do you pronounce Kathy?
It's commonly said KATH-ee /ˈkæθ.i/.
Is Kathy a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Kathy is used as a girl name.
How popular is Kathy?
In 2024, Kathy ranked #2701 in the U.S. for girls, with 64 births recorded.