Kitty is a unique and charming name with an interesting history and origin. It is ultimately derived from the Middle English word 'kit', which means 'cat'. This name was used to refer to female cats or kittens during the medieval period.
The name Kitty began to be used as a given name for human girls in the 16th century. It was often used as a diminutive form of names like Catherine, Katherine, or even Kathleen. As such, it has long been associated with these more traditional names and has been considered a nickname or pet form.
Kitty is not particularly common today but it still retains its vintage charm. It is sometimes used as a middle name to honor someone named Catherine or Katherine, or simply because the parents are fans of the unique sound and meaning of Kitty.
In popular culture, there have been several notable figures with the name Kitty. For example, Kitty O'Neil was an American actress who was known for her role in the television show "The Bionic Woman". Additionally, Kitty Wilson was a British tennis player who won several tournaments throughout her career.
Overall, Kitty is a rare and charming name with a unique history and origin. It has been used as both a given name and a diminutive form of names like Catherine or Katherine for centuries. Today, it remains a vintage yet stylish choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter.
These statistics show a fluctuating trend over time for the name Kitty. There's a notable increase starting from around 1885 to peaking in 1947 with 358 births, after which there's a significant decline until it reaches a low of 6 births in 2018 and 2023. The name's popularity seems to have been highest during the mid-20th century and has been on a steady decrease since then.