Kitten

“Small cat”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1692US 2023

508Births / yr

→Stable

54All-time births

📅 Since 194200

How to pronounce Kitten

KIT·un

/ˈkɪt.ən/ · stress on KIT · 2 syllables

“Small cat”

American origin · Girl name

What does Kitten mean and where does it come from?

The name Kitten is derived from the English word for a young cat. Though it is commonly used as a term of endearment or a nickname, it has occasionally been adopted as a given name. It's more common in informal contexts or among those with a creative or whimsical perspective on naming. The name gain

Cultural significance

Kitten has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small cat.

Peak popularity

Reached #4347 in 1946 — currently #1692 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kitten?

Kitten works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kitten Grace

How popular is Kitten right now?

Holding steady — currently #1692 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#1692 · Top 1.2%

1965

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1692	508	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1697	488	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1702	458	▲ up 5248 · +9060% births
1965	#6950	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kitten

Best Year2023Rank #1692

Peak Count508

Average Rank#3010

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1965 - 20234 years

The story of Kitten

Kitten entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. With 54 total births recorded, Kitten remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6950 in 1965 to #1692 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kitten in 1946:

Mary Linda Patricia Barbara Carol

Kitten by decade

Kitten peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	12
1950s	15
1960s ★	27

💎Kitten has only 54 total recorded births since 1942 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kitten?

Common

KitKiItten

What names sound and feel like Kitten?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kitten also consider these

Kisten

English · pure

Bitten

Arabic · A Arabic name

Witten

Germanic · German

Kirsten

Sweden · Christianity, follower of

Kittie

American · pure

Britten

American · One who is

Kayten

American · English

Keaten

American · a variant of

Common questions about the name Kitten

What does the name Kitten mean?

Kitten means "Small cat" — 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 Kitten?

Kitten is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Kitten?

Kitten 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.

How do you pronounce the name Kitten?

Kitten is a two-syllable name pronounced K IH1 T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kitten a common or rare name?

Kitten is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.