Girl · 1051st of 12,526
Cathey
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,216
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1953
Peak Popularity Year
157
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cathey stands across generations
This name is not present in the Generation Alpha ranking.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Cathey is a name with Old English roots, derived from Catherine, which means 'pure.' It has evolved through various historical forms, including Katherine and Cathy. The name is associated with positive traits and lacks biblical relevance. Its popularity has increased in the modern era, and it is viewed as a charming and friendly name, with notable individuals bearing this name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθi/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Cathey is derived from the Old English name 'Cathy,' which itself is a diminutive of Catherine, originating from the Greek 'Aikaterine.' The meaning is often associated with purity.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Catherine, Katherine, Cathey
Historical Usage
The name Cathey gained popularity in the 20th century as a variation of Catherine, especially in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Cathy, Kathy, Catrina, Cate
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cathey is considered a unique and charming name, often associated with kindness and warmth.
Famous People
Cathey A. Smith, American politician, Cathey Toogood, American artist
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 157 peak births in 1953
Geographic Spread
Popular across 18 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 24 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3485th of 9204 | 125 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1051st of 12526 | 1,813 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3769th of 19264 | 268 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |