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Kathy Girl

Popularity: #886 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKATH-ee / /ˈkæθ.i/

English; Greek

Meaning

Greek: Pure; English: Diminutive of Katherine

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kathy is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is believed to have originated from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure." The name Aikaterine was Latinized as Catharina, which then evolved into various forms across different languages. In English, the name Kathy emerged as a diminutive form of Katherine, particularly gaining traction in the 20th century as a standalone name. The transition into English can be traced through the Old French form Catherine, which was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, leading to the widespread use of Katherine in medieval England.

Historically, the name has been associated with several notable figures, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, whose feast day is celebrated on November 25. The popularity of the name Katherine was further solidified by its appearance in various literary works and royal connections, such as Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England in the 16th century. The name has been featured in significant translations, including the King James Bible, where the name Catherine appears in various forms, contributing to its historical resonance.

Culturally, the name Kathy and its variants have been imbued with connotations of purity and nobility, reflecting the characteristics associated with its etymological roots. The name has also been linked to various traditions and customs, often symbolizing strength and resilience. The diminutive Kathy has been embraced in various contexts, serving as an affectionate form that highlights the name's enduring appeal throughout history.

Trend Summary

Kathy experienced peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Kathy
  • Kathee
  • Kathie

International Variants

  • Cati (Catalan)
  • Cathy (French)
  • Kathy (Spanish)

Famous people named Kathy

Kathy Bates is an actress best known for Misery, Titanic, and About Schmidt.

Kathy Griffin is a comedian and actress best known for My Life on the D-List, Kathy, and Fashion Police.

Kathy Ireland is a model and actress best known for her work with Sports Illustrated, as well as her appearances in films like Alien from L.A. and the television series The Larry Sanders Show.

Kathy Lee Gifford is a television host and singer best known for her work on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and the Today show.

Kathy Najimy is an actress and comedian best known for Hocus Pocus, Sister Act, and The Kathy and Mo Show.

Kathy Sledge is a singer best known as a member of the group Sister Sledge and for the hit song We Are Family.

Fictional characters named Kathy

Kathy is a fictional character from the novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. She is a clone who reflects on her life and the ethical implications of her existence as she navigates love and loss.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kathy was first seen in the United States in 1910. Kathy has ranked as high as #35 nationally, which occurred in 1958, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Kathy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kathy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 9
27%
OH 7
21%
NY 6
18%
PA 6
18%
TX 5
15%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19105
19147
191510
19168
19178
19188
191911
192010
192115
192217
192312
192413
19259
192634
192735
192818
192935
193029
193140
193258
193345
193479
193599
1936136
1937157
1938246
1939365
1940604
1941947
19421,537
19432,033
19442,417
19452,753
19464,179
19475,697
19486,148
19498,451
19509,090
195110,406
195212,369
195313,400
195414,175
195515,324
195617,177
195720,235
195823,940
195921,814
196018,479
196116,384
196214,757
196312,216
196410,377
19657,762
19666,319
19675,407
19684,676
19694,751
19704,797
19713,863
19723,032
19732,371
19741,920
19751,689
19761,382
19771,406
19781,134
19791,113
19801,010
1981956
1982879
1983765
1984670
1985617
1986572
1987517
1988522
1989469
1990477
1991472
1992474
1993444
1994455
1995409
1996445
1997389
1998386
1999361
2000379
2001343
2002362
2003308
2004283
2005286
2006293
2007294
2008268
2009204
2010190
2011171
2012176
2013139
2014142
2015126
2016159
2017111
201891
201976
202083
202172
202275
202360
202464