"pure, clear"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Kate
Pronunciation: [ k-AYT ]
Girl Name
#535 Most Popular
Steady
1 Syllable
Pure and powerful — one syllable, centuries of royalty
English
American
Irish
British
Australian
Classic
Strong
Elegant
Minimalist
Royal
Meaning & Origin
"innocent, virginal"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
The Story of Kate
Kate is the short form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The meaning is debated — it may come from the Greek katharos (pure, clear) or from an earlier Coptic name. Katherine was the name of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (died circa 305 CE), one of the most venerated saints in early Christianity, which gave the name explosive popularity throughout medieval Europe. Kate emerged as a natural short form.
Kate has been a beloved standalone name for centuries, but its modern popularity surged globally when Kate Middleton (now Princess of Wales) married Prince William in 2011. Her elegant, approachable image revitalized the name for a new generation. Actresses Kate Blanchett, Kate Hudson, and Kate Winslet had also kept the name in cultural prominence.
Kate carries the full weight of the Katherine legacy — queens, saints, and literary heroines — in a single crisp syllable. Katherine of Aragon was Henry VIII's first wife; Catherine the Great ruled Russia; Kate Winslet won an Oscar. Shakespeare's Kate in The Taming of the Shrew is one of his most memorable heroines.
Fun Facts
- Kate/Katherine has been borne by queens of England, Russia, France, and Spain
- Kate Winslet won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG Award, and Grammy Award
- The name Kate appears 8 times in Shakespeare's works, more than almost any other female name
Kate in Other Languages
Greek
Aikaterine
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Italian
Caterina
Russian
Ekaterina
Spanish
Catalina
Famous People Named Kate
K
Kate Middleton (Catherine, Princess of Wales)
Royalty
1982
Wife of Prince William and Princess of Wales, one of the most photographed women in the world and a fashion icon
K
Kate Winslet
Actor
1975
British Academy Award-winning actress known for Titanic, The Reader, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
K
Kate Blanchett
Actor
1969
Australian actress and two-time Academy Award winner known for Blue Jasmine and The Aviator
K
Kate (Taming of the Shrew) Fictional
Other
The spirited protagonist of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, known for her fierce independence and sharp wit
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #535
- Total SSA Count
- 569
- Cultural Origins
- English American Irish British Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Katie
Kay
Pairs Well With
Kate Elizabeth
Kate Louise
Kate Amelia
Kate Rose
Kate Alexandra
Kate Anne
Kate Victoria
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Kate is also used as a boy name, ranked #27200.
View Kate as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kate
What does the name Kate mean?
"pure, clear" (from Greek). "innocent, virginal" (from Greek). Kate is the short form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The meaning is debated — it may come from the Greek katharos (pure, clear) or from an earlier Coptic name. Katherine was the name of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (died circa 305 CE), one of the most venerated saints in early Christianity, which gave the name explosive popularity throughout medieval Europe. Kate emerged as a natural short form.
What is the origin of the name Kate?
Kate has Greek, English, American, Irish, British, and Australian origins. In Greek, it means "pure, clear". In Greek, it means "innocent, virginal".
Is Kate a boy or girl name?
Kate is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #535. As a boy name, it is ranked #27200. Kate is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kate?
Kate is pronounced k-AYT.
How popular is the name Kate?
Kate is currently ranked #535 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kate?
Common nicknames for Kate include Katie and Kay.
What are good middle names for Kate?
Popular middle name pairings include Kate Elizabeth, Kate Louise, Kate Amelia, Kate Rose, Kate Alexandra, Kate Anne, and Kate Victoria.
What are good sibling names for Kate?
Names that pair well with Kate as siblings include William, Henry, Emma, Charlotte, George, Alice, and James.
How many syllables does Kate have?
Kate has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kate a common or rare name?
Kate is moderately common, ranked #535 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Kate
Kate is a girl name with English, American, Irish, British, and Australian origins . The name means "pure, clear" in Greek .
Is Kate a boy or girl name? Kate is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #535 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #27,200. Kate is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kate is currently ranked #535 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kate has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-AYT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kate include Katie and Kay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kate include Katherine, Katalina, Kataleya, Katie, Kathryn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.