Kate
Kate is a girls' name of English origin meaning “pure.” It ranked #520 in the United States in 2025. A short form of Katherine that has long been given as a name in its own right.
Torn between Kate and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Kate?
KAYT
where does the name Kate come from?
A short form of Katherine and related names such as Caitlin, also used as a formal given name. It shares the Greek origin of Katherine, a name of debated meaning that has traditionally been understood as pure.
Shakespeare used it for Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew.
how popular is this name?
Kate has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #79 in 1880, and ranked #520 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #520 |
| 2024 | #533 |
| 2023 | #478 |
| 2022 | #456 |
| 2021 | #414 |
| 2020 | #411 |
| 2019 | #323 |
| 2018 | #285 |
| 2017 | #274 |
| 2016 | #234 |
| 2010 | #208 |
| 2000 | #225 |
| 1990 | #270 |
| 1980 | #197 |
| 1970 | #597 |
| 1960 | #707 |
| 1950 | #855 |
| 1940 | #718 |
| 1930 | #652 |
| 1920 | #415 |
| 1910 | #270 |
| 1900 | #180 |
| 1890 | #116 |
| 1880 | #79 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Kate fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Kate
Behind the Name records Kate in England since the Middle Ages, and Shakespeare used it for Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew. In the United States it has been in the top 1,000 every year since 1880, when it ranked 79th, its highest position, and it ranked around 520th in 2025.
who are famous people named Kate?
- Kate Winslet (actress)
- Kate Bush (singer-songwriter)
- Kate Moss (model)
- Kate Chopin (author)
what are the nicknames and variants of Kate?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Kate?
what names go well with Kate?
Sibling names that share Kate's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Kate
What does the name Kate mean?
Kate means “pure”.
What is the origin of the name Kate?
Kate comes from the English naming tradition. Related forms include Cate, Kat and Katy.
How popular is the name Kate?
Kate ranked #520 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1880, at #79, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Kate a boy or girl name?
Kate is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Kate?
Kate is pronounced KAYT, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Kate? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session