Kate is a popular female given name of English origin that has been used throughout history. It is a diminutive form of the name Katherine or Catherine, which are both derived from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure" or "innocent." The name has been associated with many notable figures throughout history, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was martyred in the 4th century AD and is now the patron saint of students and young girls.
The name Kate became particularly popular in the late Victorian era and has remained a staple in English-speaking countries ever since. It is often seen as a strong, independent, and modern name, while still maintaining its classic roots. Some famous people who bear the name Kate include Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and Kate Winslet, an Academy Award-winning actress.
Overall, the name Kate carries with it a rich history and a timeless appeal that has made it a popular choice for parents throughout generations. Its meaning of "pure" or "innocent" adds to its allure, making it a name that is both strong and sweet at the same time.
The statistics for the name Kate show a fluctuating pattern over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a general decline in the number of babies named Kate, with some notable peaks in the 1880s (up to 362 births in 1889) and drops in the 1930s (down to 76 births in 1945). The name began to regain popularity in the mid-1950s, with a significant increase in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It reached its peak in recent years, with over 2000 babies named Kate born annually between 2001 and 2008. However, there has been a subsequent decline since then, with the most recent data showing only 639 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 84,838 births with the name Kate from 1880 to 2023.