Girl name · English
Kate
“pure (Katherine diminutive)”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Kate.
Explore Kate further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Kate — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Kate is the crisp cut of Katherine — Greek katharos, "pure" — a nickname with five centuries of standalone service, from Shakespeare's Kate the Shrew to a future Queen Catherine known to the world by four letters.
Kate sits around 400th place in America in 2024, far rarer as a given name than its ubiquity suggests — everyone knows a Kate; few are legally named it.
The name is a clean snap of a syllable — brisk, capable, unfussy. It pairs beautifully with romantic middles (Kate Evangeline, Kate Seraphina). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist wearing Vintage Elegant pearls.
More English names
Kate sits in our English set — these share its roots.
All English names →Kate — common questions
Is Kate a boy or girl name?
Kate is traditionally a girl name of English origin. It ranked #522 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Kate mean?
Kate means “pure (Katherine diminutive)” of English origin. Kate is the crisp cut of Katherine — Greek katharos, "pure" — a nickname with five centuries of standalone service, from Shakespeare's Kate the Shrew to a future Queen Catherine known to the world by four letters.
Where does the name Kate come from?
Kate is English in origin. Kate sits around 400th place in America in 2024, far rarer as a given name than its ubiquity suggests — everyone knows a Kate; few are legally named it.
What are common nicknames for Kate?
Kate, Katie, Kat, and Kitty — the short-forms parents most often use for Kate.
How popular is Kate?
Kate ranked #522 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which keeps it recognisable but uncommon.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Kate you might want for the nursery.