Kitty

♀ Girl

Pronounced KIT-ee /ˈkɪt.i/High

Meaning: Kitty is a long-established English pet form of Katherine (via Kit), used as a given name in its own right since at least the seventeenth century. It is also, of course, the everyday word for a cat — an association any family will meet, which we note honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A vintage charmer: Kitty is the old pet form of Katherine (said 'KIT-ee'). It is also the word for a cat, which we note.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningKitty is a long-established English pet form of Katherine (via Kit), used as a given name in its own right since at least the seventeenth century. It is also, of course, the everyday word for a cat — an association any family will meet, which we note honestly.

U.S. rank (2024)#14374 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 11,657

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kitty grew out of Kit, an old short form of Katherine, and has served as a given name in English-speaking countries for centuries — Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice is one of many literary Kittys. Katherine's own root is debated: it has long been linked to Greek katharos, 'pure', though that may be a later reshaping. Kitty is also the familiar word for a cat, an association we note plainly (said 'KIT-ee').

It is rare for girls in the U.S. today and better known in Britain and Ireland. Rare here, vintage, and playful.

Did you know? Kitty has been a nickname for Katherine since long before it meant a cat — you meet Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Both readings live side by side, which we note honestly (said 'KIT-ee').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Kitty — Pet form of Katherine via Kit; also the common word for a cat

Variations

KittieKittiKit

Nicknames

KitKittykatKiki

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kitty…

Katherine— the full name Kitty shortens

Catherine— a like classic spelling of it

Kate— a like short form of the same name

Nellie— a like vintage -ie nickname name

Explore names like Kitty

By themeenglish vintage nickname-name word-adjacent

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kitty mean?

Kitty is a pet form of Katherine, traditionally read as 'pure' (though that origin is debated). It is also the everyday word for a cat, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kitty?

It's said KIT-ee /ˈkɪt.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kitty a boy or girl name?

Kitty is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Kitty?

Kitty is rare for girls in the U.S. today, and better known in Britain and Ireland.