Kate

Updated: September 26, 2023 by MomsWhoThink Staff

The baby name Kate came to be in the Middle Ages. The English created a more informal version of the name Katherine through the name Kate. It is now a standalone name with many celebrities using the name for their own, including popular actress Kate Winslet.

Meaning of the Name Kate

The baby name Kate was created in England and means “pure.” The name Kate is also a diminutive and nickname for the traditional name Katherine. This shortened name has been in existence in England since the Middle Ages. The name became popular throughout the world due to Shakespeare's character in “Taming of the Shrew.”

The baby name Kate is used as a standalone name now, though it was originally a shortened form of Katherine. Despite this current standing, the baby name does still retain the original meaning that Katherine has too of “pure.”

Nicknames for Kate

The baby name Kate is simple and more informal than the longer Katherine. It does still feel refined and classy, however. Keep in mind some of these fun and catchy nicknames that you can call the Kate in your life:

Kay
Kat
Kay-Kay
Katie
Katy
Tatie
Tate
Kitty
Kit

Kate Name Details

Style: Traditional

Gender: Kate usually considered a female name.

Pronunciation: KAYT

Syllables: One

Waiting for a baby. Small girl. Happy birthday. Portrait of happy little child in white balloons. Sweet little baby. New life and birth. Childhood happiness. Family. Child care. Childrens day. — ©Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock.com

Alternative Spelling for Kate

Cate
Cayte
Kayte
Kait
Cait
Kaite
Caite

Kate Name Popularity

Kate was only on the top 200 list of the Social Security Index in the year 1900 at number 180 before it began to rapidly decline. As of the year 2002, however, it came back onto this top 200 list for eight years, then again in 2011 for three years. Kate has now declined in popularity again, however, ranking at number 411 overall.