Kate

Pure — a girl name of Greek origin

GenderGirl
OriginGreek
MeaningPure
PronunciationKAYT

Popularity of Kate in the United States

#522Rank in 2025
576Births in 2025
#79 in 1880Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Kate

Kate began as a diminutive of Katherine and Katharine, both ultimately derived from the Greek Aikaterine and its association with "katharos," meaning "pure." Though long used informally as a nickname, Kate has stood on its own as a formal given name for centuries, valued for its brisk, elegant simplicity. It has been carried by numerous queens, actresses, and public figures, cementing its place as a timeless classic in its own right.

Kate Around the World

Kate is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 32+ international variants.

Languages
DutchLatvian
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
KatherineEnglish
KatiaItalian
CaterinaItalian
KatieEnglish
Ekaterine
KatrinGerman
Kathy
KatjaFinnish
KarinDutch
CathyEnglish
KatalinHungarian
CatherineFrench
CatalinaSpanish
KatriinaFinnish
CathieEnglish
CatharineEnglish
Kathie
KatrinaEnglish
Katy
CatarinaItalian
KatarinaSwedish
KatharinaGerman
KateřinaCzech
Cathryn
Katrijn
Jekaterina
EkaterinaRussian
CatharinaDutch
KatarzynaPolish
Cáit
KatriinEstonian
KateyEnglish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Kate

KatieKay

Famous People Named Kate

  • Kate Middleton — Catherine, Princess of Wales
  • Kate Winslet — British actress
  • Kate Hudson — American actress

Similar Names to Kate

If you like Kate, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:CateAnne

Sibling Name Ideas for Kate

Looking for names that pair well with Kate? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Kate mean?

Kate is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Pure." Kate began as a diminutive of Katherine and Katharine, both ultimately derived from the Greek Aikaterine and its association with "katharos," meaning "pure." Though long used informally as a nickname, Kate has stood on its own as a formal given name for centuries, valued for its brisk, elegant simplicity.

How do you pronounce Kate?

Kate is pronounced KAYT. Common variations include Cate, Kait, Kayt.

Is Kate a girl name?

Yes, Kate is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Katie, Kay.

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