Katie

Pronunciation: [ k-AYT-ee ]

Girl Name #580 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

Ireland's sweetheart, pure and true

English Irish American

Playful Classic Gentle Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"pure, clear"

Origin: Greek

Language: English

"each of the two (from Greek aikia)"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: Greek

The Story of Katie

Katie is a pet form of Katherine or Kate, ultimately derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated — it may come from the Greek 'katharos' meaning pure, or from an earlier pre-Greek name of uncertain origin. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr whose cult made Katherine one of the most popular names in medieval Europe. Katie as a standalone name became common in English-speaking countries in the 19th century.

Katie was hugely popular in English-speaking countries through the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Ireland and the United States. It peaked in the US in the late 1980s and has been declining since as parents have moved toward using full forms like Katherine or Kate rather than the diminutive from birth.

In Ireland, Katie is a deeply beloved name — it's part of the cultural fabric in a way few names are. Katie Taylor, Ireland's greatest boxer, has given the name an extraordinary modern legacy. The name's warmth and simplicity make it feel quintessentially Irish-American.

Fun Facts

Saint Catherine of Alexandria (4th century) is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church
Katie Taylor is the undisputed lightweight world boxing champion and Ireland's most decorated female athlete
Katherine/Katie was the most popular girl's name in medieval England, borne by queens and saints alike

Katie in Other Languages

Irish Caitlín

French Catherine

German Katharina

Italian Caterina

Russian Екатерина

Spanish Catalina

Famous People Named Katie

Katie Taylor

Athlete

1986

Irish boxing legend, undisputed lightweight world champion and Ireland's greatest female athlete

Katie Holmes

Actor

1978

American actress known for Dawson's Creek and Batman Begins

Katie (The Kissing Booth) Fictional

Other

Beloved teen romance protagonist archetype; Katie appears frequently as the relatable girl-next-door in YA fiction

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #580
Total SSA Count: 518
Cultural Origins: English Irish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Katia #1853

Common Nicknames

Kate Kat

Pairs Well With

Katie Grace Katie Rose Katie Ann Katie Lynn Katie Elizabeth Katie Marie Katie Jane

Sibling Names

Emily Sarah Connor Patrick Molly Jack Megan

Also a Boy Name

Katie is also used as a boy name, ranked #30476.

View Katie as a boy name →

Similar Names

Katy Nate Kathy Tate Tate

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Katie

What does the name Katie mean?

"pure, clear" (from Greek). "each of the two (from Greek aikia)" (from Ancient Greek). Katie is a pet form of Katherine or Kate, ultimately derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated — it may come from the Greek 'katharos' meaning pure, or from an earlier pre-Greek name of uncertain origin. The name was borne by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr whose cult made Katherine one of the most popular names in medieval Europe. Katie as a standalone name became common in English-speaking countries in the 19th century.

What is the origin of the name Katie?

Katie has Greek, Ancient Greek, English, Irish, and American origins. In Greek, it means "pure, clear". In Ancient Greek, it means "each of the two (from Greek aikia)".

Is Katie a boy or girl name?

Katie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #580. As a boy name, it is ranked #30476. Katie is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Katie?

Katie is pronounced k-AYT-ee.

How popular is the name Katie?

Katie is currently ranked #580 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Katie?

Common nicknames for Katie include Kate and Kat.

What are good middle names for Katie?

Popular middle name pairings include Katie Grace, Katie Rose, Katie Ann, Katie Lynn, Katie Elizabeth, Katie Marie, and Katie Jane.

What are good sibling names for Katie?

Names that pair well with Katie as siblings include Emily, Sarah, Connor, Patrick, Molly, Jack, and Megan.

How many syllables does Katie have?

Katie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Katie a common or rare name?

Katie is moderately common, ranked #580 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Katie

Katie is a girl name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "pure, clear" in Greek .

Is Katie a boy or girl name? Katie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #580 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,476. Katie is more commonly used as a girl name.

Katie is currently ranked #580 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Katie has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AYT-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Katie include Kate and Kat. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Katie include Katia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.