What does Kitty mean and where does it come from?
Kitty is typically a diminutive form of Katherine, which has roots in Greek and an association with purity. This charming name became popular in the 19th century and has remained a favored choice due to its light and playful nature. Kitty has been widely used as a standalone name and often carries a
Cultural significance
Kitty has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of diminutive of katherine, meaning 'pure'.
Peak popularity
Reached #359 in 1881 — currently #14422 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kitty?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kitty?
Kitty works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kitty Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kitty Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kitty Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kitty Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kitty Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kitty Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kitty right now?
Falling — down 85 spots — currently #14422 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #14422 | 6 | ▼ down 85 |
| 2023 | #14337 | 6 | ▼ down 4872 · -40% births |
| 2020 | #9465 | 10 | ▲ up 667 |
| 2015 | #10132 | 10 | ▼ down 345 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #9787 | 11 | ▼ down 2647 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #7140 | 16 | ▼ down 653 |
| 2000 | #6487 | 16 | ▼ down 1808 · -24% births |
| 1995 | #4679 | 21 | ▼ down 151 |
| 1990 | #4528 | 21 | ▼ down 905 · -9% births |
| 1985 | #3623 | 23 | ▼ down 1345 · -47% births |
| 1980 | #2278 | 43 | ▼ down 217 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #2061 | 42 | ▼ down 774 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #1287 | 84 | ▼ down 399 · -34% births |
| 1965 | #888 | 127 | ▼ down 268 · -52% births |
| 1960 | #620 | 263 | — |
The story of Kitty
Kitty has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 11,644 babies have received this name. Once ranked #609 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14337 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kitty in 1881:
Kitty by decade
Kitty peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 220 | |
| 1890s | 302 | |
| 1900s | 343 | |
| 1910s | 759 | |
| 1920s | 1,109 | |
| 1930s | 1,205 | |
| 1940s | 2,235 | |
| 1950s ★ | 2,552 | |
| 1960s | 1,575 | |
| 1970s | 602 | |
| 1980s | 280 | |
| 1990s | 207 | |
| 2000s | 142 | |
| 2010s | 103 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
What are good nicknames for Kitty?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Kitty?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kitty also consider these
How is Kitty written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kitty?
Common questions about the name Kitty
What does the name Kitty mean?
Kitty means "Diminutive of Katherine, meaning 'pure'" — 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 Kitty?
Kitty is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Kitty?
Kitty 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 Kitty?
Kitty is a two-syllable name pronounced KIT-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kitty a common or rare name?
Kitty is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.