Kathy Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kathy is a diminutive of the Greek name Aikaterine, which means 'pure'. It evolved through various forms and languages, showcasing its rich linguistic journey. The name is often seen as friendly and approachable, with no direct biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in the mid-20th century, and it remains a well-recognized name today, associated with notable figures in entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kathy"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæθi/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
Kathy is a diminutive form of Katherine, which is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly linked to the Greek word 'katharos' meaning 'pure'.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Aikaterine (Greek), Caterina (Italian), Catherine (French), Katherine (English), Kathy (Diminutive in English)
Historical Usage
Kathy became popular in the mid-20th century as a common diminutive for Katherine and its variants.
Variants & Derivatives
Kate, Katie, Kathy
Modern Popularity & Image
Kathy is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and kindness.
Famous People
Kathy Bates, Kathy Griffin, Kathy Ireland
📊 Kathy Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kathy Name Visualizations
✨ Kathy Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 23,985 peak births in 1958
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kathy" - Complete Guide (24 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kathy". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 24 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kathy" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kathy"
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 of "Kathy"
"Kathy" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4999th of 6773 | 24 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1496th of 7552 | 518 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3071st of 10718 | 175 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11418th of 16616 | 22 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2646th of 9107 | 202 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 261st of 9204 | 11,598 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 24th of 12526 | 254,618 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 109th of 19264 | 52,632 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 431st of 27321 | 9,143 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 858th of 35406 | 4,693 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1991st of 30306 | 1,198 |
Regional Popularity of "Kathy" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
58.24% 1297th/2227 |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
- |
48.18% 1337th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kathy" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 1416th/1416 |
- |
93.32% 2208th/2366 |
94.57% 1080th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
12.10% 187th/1546 |
18.51% 288th/1556 |
16.45% 387th/2353 |
9.63% 149th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.03% 23rd/2227 |
1.77% 43rd/2430 |
0.81% 23rd/2853 |
0.90% 25th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.37% 99th/2937 |
3.59% 125th/3483 |
2.44% 86th/3518 |
3.17% 128th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.30% 490th/3685 |
10.30% 461st/4475 |
8.16% 424th/5194 |
5.97% 377th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
22.63% 1037th/4582 |
17.80% 919th/5164 |
13.65% 998th/7313 |
8.60% 642nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
58.96% 2349th/3984 |
41.88% 1879th/4487 |
34.29% 2339th/6822 |
22.71% 1425th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kathy"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kathy" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kathy" in the United States
The name Kathy is most popular in West Virginia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kathy has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kathy' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4999th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1496th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3071st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11418th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2646th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 261st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 24th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 109th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 431st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 858th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1991st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kathy' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.