"pure"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Cate
Pronunciation: [ k-AYT ]
Does Cate flow with your last name?
A sleek, pure-hearted classic with a distinctive twist
English
Irish
Australian
Classic
Minimalist
Elegant
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"each of the two"
Origin: Greek (Aikaterine)
Language: Greek
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The Story of Cate
Cate is a variant spelling of Kate, which is a diminutive of Katherine. The name Katherine traces to the Greek name Aikaterine, later associated with the Greek word katharos meaning pure. The spelling Cate distinguishes it from the more common Kate and has been elevated by association with actress Cate Blanchett, giving it a sophisticated, artistic aura.
While Kate has been a perennial favorite, Cate with a C gained distinct recognition largely through Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett. Parents choosing this spelling often want a familiar name with a subtle, artistic distinction.
Katherine and its variants have been borne by queens, saints, and literary heroines across centuries of English and European history. Saint Catherine of Alexandria is venerated across Christian traditions, lending the name enduring spiritual resonance.
Historical Record
Cate first appeared in US Social Security records in 1980.
Over 1,778 babies have been named Cate in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cate is past its peak , currently ranked #5,136 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cate Blanchett is one of only a handful of actors to win Academy Awards for both acting categories
- The name Katherine has been borne by six of Henry VIII's would-be queens (three of his actual wives)
- The C spelling sets Cate apart while keeping the same pronunciation as Kate
Cate in Other Languages
French
Catherine
German
Käthe
Italian
Caterina
Russian
Катя
Spanish
Catalina
Popularity Over Time
#5,136
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2008
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cate
K
Kate (Cate) Middleton
Royalty
1982
Catherine, Princess of Wales, known as Kate, wife of Prince William
C
Cate Blanchett
Actor
1969
Australian actress and two-time Academy Award winner known for The Lord of the Rings, Blue Jasmine, and Tár
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #5,136
- Total SSA Count
- 26
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cate
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cate
Phonetic neighbors that share Cate's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cate
What does the name Cate mean?
"pure" (from Greek). "each of the two" (from Greek (Aikaterine)). Cate is a variant spelling of Kate, which is a diminutive of Katherine. The name Katherine traces to the Greek name Aikaterine, later associated with the Greek word katharos meaning pure. The spelling Cate distinguishes it from the more common Kate and has been elevated by association with actress Cate Blanchett, giving it a sophisticated, artistic aura.
What is the origin of the name Cate?
Cate has Greek, Greek (Aikaterine), English, Irish, and Australian origins. In Greek, it means "pure". In Greek (Aikaterine), it means "each of the two".
Is Cate a boy or girl name?
Cate is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Cate?
Cate is pronounced k-AYT.
How popular is the name Cate?
Cate is currently ranked #5136 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cate?
Common nicknames for Cate include Cate.
What are good middle names for Cate?
Popular middle name pairings include Cate Elizabeth, Cate Louise, Cate Anne, Cate Marie, Cate Rose, Cate Elise, and Cate Frances.
What are good sibling names for Cate?
Names that pair well with Cate as siblings include James, Henry, Oliver, Nora, Eliza, and Phoebe.
How many syllables does Cate have?
Cate has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cate a common or rare name?
Cate is an uncommon name, ranked #5136 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Cate?
About the Name Cate
Cate is a girl name with English, Irish, and Australian origins . The name means "pure" in Greek .
Cate is currently ranked #5,136 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cate has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-AYT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cate include Cate. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cate include Catalina, Cataleya, Catherine, Cattleya, Cattaleya . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis