All about the name

Kater

Male

« Kater is a distinctive German name meaning 'cat', originally used in the Middle Ages as a nickname for agile individuals. »

#40994 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Kater is a unique and distinctive name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic word "katz," which means "cat." Thus, the name Kater translates to "cat" in English. The use of the name Kater dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany. It was often given as a nickname to people who were perceived as agile or cunning, much like a cat. Over time, it evolved into a proper given name. While Kater is not one of the most common names today, it has been used throughout history and can be found in various records and documents from medieval times onwards. In Germany, for instance, there are historical records of people named Kater dating back to the 14th century. One famous bearer of the name was the German painter Caspar David Friedrich, born Karl Database Friedrich (his full name was Carl Database Friedrich), who is widely regarded as one of the founders of Romanticism in Germany. He went by the name Caspar David Friedrich throughout his life and career. In literature, Kater also appears as a character's surname in some works, such as in Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain," where the main character, Hans Castorp, is visited by his cousin, Joachim Ziemssen (also known as 'Kater'). Today, Kater remains a rare but notable name, often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and German heritage. It also continues to be associated with creativity and individuality, perhaps due to its historic use as a nickname for those deemed clever or agile.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Kater since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
5 births
in 1922
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years