📅 Since 1918🏆 18 years in top 1000.54% of births at peak
How to pronounce Cathy
kath-ee
/kath-ee/ · · 2 syllables
“pure.”
American origin · Unisex name
What does Cathy mean and where does it come from?
Cathy is a diminutive form of Katherine and has been popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. The name Katherine has Greek origins, deriving from 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' Cathy has a more casual and approachable quality and has been used wid
Cultural significance
Cathy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Holding steady — currently #1881 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1920–2023#1881 · Top 1.4%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#1881
319
▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022
#1886
299
▲ up 5 · +11% births
2021
#1891
269
▲ up 2354 · +741% births
2020
#4245
32
▼ down 1508 · -50% births
2015
#2737
64
▲ up 431 · +23% births
2010
#3168
52
▼ down 1152 · -44% births
2005
#2016
93
▼ down 491 · -22% births
2000
#1525
119
▼ down 315 · -16% births
1995
#1210
142
▼ down 298 · -32% births
1990
#912
210
▼ down 364 · -42% births
1985
#548
362
▼ down 146 · -36% births
1980
#402
568
▼ down 150 · -41% births
1975
#252
970
▼ down 115 · -62% births
1970
#137
2,585
▼ down 49 · -38% births
1965
#88
4,152
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Cathy
1955Rank #44
9,135
#1447
↘Falling
1920 - 202324 years
The story of Cathy
Cathy entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. Its peak popularity was #34 in 1958. More than 170,543 babies have been named Cathy since 1918. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5507 in 1920 to #1881 in 2023. Cathy is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Cathy means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cathy?
Cathy is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cathy?
Cathy originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cathy a common or rare name?
Cathy is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Cathy more of a girl or boy name?
Cathy is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Sibling names that pair with Cathy
For a sister
Cathy & Summer♡
Cathy & Rosemary♡
Cathy & Dariel♡
Cathy & Marshall♡
For a brother
Cathy & Wesley♡
Cathy & Summer♡
Cathy & Jason♡
Cathy & Kevin♡
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