Katie is a name of Irish origin and it means "pure" or "clear". It is often considered to be a diminutive form of the name Catherine, which itself has Latin origins meaning "pure" or "clear".
The name Katie has been popular for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 13th century. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that Katie began to gain widespread popularity as a given name in its own right.
One of the most famous historical figures named Katie is Katie O'Hare, who became known as the "Woman Who Laid the Tracks" during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. Legend has it that Katie laid down railway ties while her husband and fellow laborers drove spikes to secure them, allowing for faster progress on the railroad.
Today, Katie remains a popular given name for girls around the world. It is often associated with qualities such as honesty, clarity, and purity, reflecting its original meaning. While some people may prefer to use the full form of the name Catherine, others choose Katie for its simplicity and familiarity. Regardless of its origins or popularity, Katie remains a beloved name that carries a sense of strength and grace.
"Katie was a popular name in the late 19th to mid-20th century, peaking around the 1970s and 80s with over 6000 births per year. However, its popularity has significantly declined since then, with fewer than 600 births per year recorded from 2014 onwards."