"pure (short for Catherine)"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Kit
Pronunciation: [ k-IHT ]
Does Kit flow with your last name?
One syllable, centuries of adventure
English
American
Irish
Vintage
Playful
Minimalist
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Kit
Kit is a medieval English nickname for Christopher, from the Greek 'Khristophoros,' meaning 'bearer of Christ.' The name was also used as a pet form of Catherine (from Greek 'katharos,' meaning pure). Kit operated as a fully independent name throughout history — Kit Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, was born Christopher but universally known as Kit. Today it functions as a standalone name with crisp, one-syllable energy.
Kit is experiencing a genuine revival in the UK and US as parents seek short, strong names with historical roots. Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington (Jon Snow) gave the name significant contemporary visibility. It fits perfectly with the trend toward concise vintage names like Bea, Clem, and Wren.
Kit Carson, the legendary American frontiersman, made the name iconic in Western American mythology. Kit Marlowe was one of the greatest playwrights in the English language. The name carries an adventurous, literary spirit across its most famous bearers.
Historical Record
Kit first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,120 babies have been named Kit in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kit is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,154 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kit Marlowe wrote Doctor Faustus and may have collaborated with Shakespeare — he was killed at 29 in a tavern brawl
- Kit Carson's autobiography was published in 1858, cementing his place as a symbol of American frontier spirit
- Kit Harington (Kit is his real name) played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, one of the most-watched shows in TV history
Kit in Other Languages
French
Christophe
German
Christoph
Italian
Cristoforo
Russian
Кристофер
Spanish
Cristóbal
Popularity Over Time
#1,154
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kit
K
Kit Harington
Actor
1986
British actor known worldwide for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones
K
Kit Carson
Explorer
1809
American frontiersman, explorer, and US Army officer who became a legend of the American West
K
Kit Marlowe (Christopher Marlowe)
Writer
1564
Elizabethan playwright and poet, author of Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine, contemporary of Shakespeare
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Compare Kit with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,154
- Total SSA Count
- 182
- Cultural Origins
- English American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
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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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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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
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kit
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kit is also used as a girl name, ranked #1240.
View Kit as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Hebrew origin
"God is good"
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"great one, straining force"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kit
What does the name Kit mean?
"pure (short for Catherine)" (from Greek). Kit is a medieval English nickname for Christopher, from the Greek 'Khristophoros,' meaning 'bearer of Christ.' The name was also used as a pet form of Catherine (from Greek 'katharos,' meaning pure). Kit operated as a fully independent name throughout history — Kit Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, was born Christopher but universally known as Kit. Today it functions as a standalone name with crisp, one-syllable energy.
What is the origin of the name Kit?
Kit has Greek, English, American, and Irish origins. In Greek, it means "pure (short for Catherine)".
Is Kit a boy or girl name?
Kit is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1154. As a girl name, it is ranked #1240. Kit is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kit?
Kit is pronounced k-IHT.
How popular is the name Kit?
Kit is currently ranked #1154 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kit?
Popular middle name pairings include Kit James, Kit Henry, Kit Oliver, Kit Fox, Kit Everett, and Kit Reid.
What are good sibling names for Kit?
Names that pair well with Kit as siblings include Wren, Finn, Ivy, Dash, Clem, Arlo, and Piper.
How many syllables does Kit have?
Kit has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kit a common or rare name?
Kit is an uncommon name, ranked #1154 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kit?
Are there other spellings for Kit?
Related spellings include Kitt.
About the Name Kit
Kit is a boy name with English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "pure (short for Catherine)" in Greek .
Is Kit a boy or girl name? Kit is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,154 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,240. Kit is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kit is currently ranked #1,154 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kit has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-IHT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kit include Kitt . 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