Katey is a charming and modern variation of the classic Catherine, derived from the Latin 'Catharina', meaning pure. It gained popularity as a standalone given name in the mid-20th century but has since become more common in recent decades. The name Katey tends to evoke images of simplicity, youthfulness, and approachability, while still retaining a certain elegance associated with its roots. It is often spelled Katey or Katy, with both pronunciations being widely accepted. Some notable individuals named Katey include American actress Katey Sagal and Australian singer Katy Steinmetz.
The name Katey experienced a notable surge in popularity from the late 1970s onwards, reaching its peak between 1984 and 1992 with over 70 births each year during this period. However, since then, there has been a significant decline, with fewer than 35 births per year recorded from 2000 onwards. The most recent data shows that only five girls were named Katey in both 2019 and 2022, indicating a considerable decrease in its usage compared to the name's heyday. In total, there have been 2352 births with the name Katey recorded since 1949.