Kit
Kit is a unisex name of English origin meaning “bearer of Christ; pure.” A medieval English diminutive of Christopher (bearer of Christ) or Katherine (pure).
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how do you pronounce Kit?
KIT
where does the name Kit come from?
A short form of Christopher or Katherine, and also of Kathleen or Kitty.
Kit has been used as a given name since at least the 16th century — Christopher Marlowe was known as Kit — and has a rakish, literary charm.
how popular is this name?
Kit has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 16 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 63. It peaked at #739 in 1890, and ranked #915 in 1958.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1958 | #915 |
| 1957 | #853 |
| 1956 | #840 |
| 1955 | #786 |
| 1954 | #842 |
| 1953 | #833 |
| 1952 | #814 |
| 1951 | #847 |
| 1950 | #830 |
| 1890 | #739 |
| 1880 | #909 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Kit fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Kit
Christopher Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, was known as Kit.
who are famous people named Kit?
- Kit Harington (actor)
- Kit Carson (frontiersman)
- Christopher 'Kit' Marlowe (playwright)
what names go well with Kit?
Sibling names that share Kit's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Kit
What does the name Kit mean?
Kit means “bearer of Christ; pure”.
What is the origin of the name Kit?
Kit comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Kit?
Kit ranked #915 in the US in 1958, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1890, at #739, and it has spent 16 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Kit a boy or girl name?
Kit is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Kit?
Kit is pronounced KIT, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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