What does Kate mean and where does it come from?
Kate is often a diminutive form of Katherine or Catherine, which comes from the Greek 'katharos' (καθαρός) meaning 'pure'. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the medieval period. It has royal connections, notably through Catherine of Aragon and Catherine the Great. Notable
Cultural significance
Kate has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #79 in 1880 — currently #478 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kate?
Kate works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kate Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kate Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kate Claire
French influence · crisp
Kate Jane
Literary · strong
Kate Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kate right now?
Declining — down 23 spots — currently #478 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #478 | 640 | ▼ down 23 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #455 | 695 | ▼ down 41 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #414 | 758 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2020 | #411 | 759 | ▼ down 189 · -49% births |
| 2015 | #222 | 1,475 | ▼ down 14 · -1% births |
| 2010 | #208 | 1,490 | ▼ down 67 · -38% births |
| 2005 | #141 | 2,404 | ▲ up 84 · +72% births |
| 2000 | #225 | 1,397 | ▲ up 139 · +95% births |
| 1995 | #364 | 717 | ▼ down 94 · -31% births |
| 1990 | #270 | 1,036 | ▼ down 91 · -31% births |
| 1985 | #179 | 1,491 | ▲ up 18 · +12% births |
| 1980 | #197 | 1,328 | ▲ up 226 · +178% births |
| 1975 | #423 | 477 | ▲ up 172 · +61% births |
| 1970 | #595 | 296 | ▲ up 92 · +44% births |
| 1965 | #687 | 205 | — |
The story of Kate
Kate has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #79 in 1880. A total of 82,814 babies have received this name. Once ranked #79 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #478 in 2023. Kate is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kate in 1880:
Kate by decade
Kate peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,194 | |
| 1890s | 3,001 | |
| 1900s | 2,063 | |
| 1910s | 2,845 | |
| 1920s | 1,966 | |
| 1930s | 966 | |
| 1940s | 1,002 | |
| 1950s | 1,261 | |
| 1960s | 2,049 | |
| 1970s | 5,509 | |
| 1980s | 13,616 | |
| 1990s | 9,351 | |
| 2000s ★ | 20,782 | |
| 2010s | 14,450 | |
| 2020s | 759 | |
What are good nicknames for Kate?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Kate?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kate also consider these
How is Kate written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kate
What does the name Kate mean?
Kate means "pure" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Kate?
Kate is currently ranked #478 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Kate?
Kate originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Kate?
Kate is a one-syllable name pronounced K EY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Kate sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kate flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kate ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.