Kathy is a diminutive of the name Katherine or Catherine, which are both derived from the Greek name Aikaterine. The meaning of Katherine is "pure" and it is believed to have been popularized by St. Catherine of Alexandria, who was a Christian martyr in the 4th century.
The use of the nickname Kathy began in the Middle Ages as a pet form of Katherine. It became more popular in the United States during the mid-20th century and has remained a common name since then.
Some famous people with the name Kathy include:
* Kathy Ireland, an American model and businesswoman
* Kathy Bates, an American actress known for her role in "American Horror Story"
* Kathy Griffin, an American comedian and actress
Overall, Kathy is a classic and timeless name that has been used for centuries. Its meaning of purity makes it a popular choice among parents looking for a name with positive connotations.
The name Kathy saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1930s to the mid-1960s, peaking with over 17,000 births in 1958. However, it has since declined steadily, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 59 births recorded in 2023.