Kate, derived from Katherine, is a popular and enduring female given name of English origin. It means 'pure' or 'clear', reflecting its roots in the Greek word 'katharos'. Kate has been widely used throughout history, with notable bearers including Catherine of Aragon, first wife of England's King Henry VIII, and Catherine the Great, ruler of Russia during the 18th century. In literature, Kate is a central character in works like 'The Taming of the Shrew' by Shakespeare, while in recent times, it has been popularized by celebrities such as Kate Winslet and Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge.
The name Kate experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years with a peak of 11 births in 1986.