"bearer of Christ (from Christopher)"
Kit
Pronunciation: [ k-IHT ]
Does Kit flow with your last name?
A sharp one-syllable classic with centuries of character
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Kit
Kit is a medieval English nickname for Catherine or Christopher, both ultimately deriving from Greek roots — Catherine from katharos (pure) and Christopher meaning bearer of Christ. As a standalone name, Kit has a long history in English literature and culture, used for both boys and girls. It has a sparky, independent quality that makes it appealing as a modern standalone name.
Kit has enjoyed a resurgence as parents seek short, strong names with historical pedigree. It gained visibility through Kit Harington's role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, while for girls, its use reflects a trend toward traditionally male-leaning names for daughters.
Kit Carson, the 19th-century American frontiersman, made the name iconic in American culture. In British culture, Kit has a long literary tradition, appearing in works from Marlowe to Dickens.
Historical Record
Kit first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,869 babies have been named Kit in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kit is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,240 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kit Marlowe (Christopher Marlowe) was a famous Elizabethan playwright
- Kit Carson was one of the most famous American frontiersmen of the 19th century
Kit in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kit
Kit Harington
Actor
1986
British actor known for portraying Jon Snow in HBO's Game of Thrones
Kit Carson
Explorer
1809
American frontiersman, fur trapper, and scout famous for his role in westward expansion
Kit Marlowe
Writer
1564
Elizabethan playwright and poet, contemporary of Shakespeare
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Compare Kit with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,240
- Total SSA Count
- 188
- Cultural Origins
- English British American
- 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
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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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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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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kit
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kit is also used as a boy name, ranked #1154.
View Kit as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Old English origin
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Latin origin
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Germanic origin
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Middle English folk etymology origin
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Hebrew origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kit
What does the name Kit mean?
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Is Kit a boy or girl name?
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What girl names are similar to Kit?
About the Name Kit
Kit is a girl name with English, British, and American origins . The name means "bearer of Christ (from Christopher)" in Greek via English .
Is Kit a boy or girl name? Kit is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,240 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,154. Kit is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kit is currently ranked #1,240 in popularity for girl 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 Kitana, Kitzie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Baby Name Wizard
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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