Kate is a popular female given name of English origin that has been used throughout history. It is a diminutive form of the name Katherine or Catherine, which are both derived from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure" or "innocent." The name has been associated with many notable figures throughout history, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was martyred in the 4th century AD and is now the patron saint of students and young girls.
The name Kate became particularly popular in the late Victorian era and has remained a staple in English-speaking countries ever since. It is often seen as a strong, independent, and modern name, while still maintaining its classic roots. Some famous people who bear the name Kate include Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and Kate Winslet, an Academy Award-winning actress.
Overall, the name Kate carries with it a rich history and a timeless appeal that has made it a popular choice for parents throughout generations. Its meaning of "pure" or "innocent" adds to its allure, making it a name that is both strong and sweet at the same time.
The name Kate has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with its usage fluctuating over time. In the late 19th century, around the 1880s to early 1890s, the name was quite popular, with an average of about 300 births per year. However, it began to decline gradually in popularity towards the end of that decade.
The early 20th century saw a steady decrease in the number of girls named Kate at birth, reaching its lowest point in the early 1930s, with fewer than 100 births per year. This low remained relatively consistent until the late 1950s when it started to gradually increase again.
In the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1960s onwards, the popularity of the name Kate began to rise significantly. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, it had become quite popular once more, with over 1000 births per year.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a continued increase in popularity for the name Kate, peaking in 2001 with over 1600 births that year. This high level of popularity was maintained throughout much of the early to mid-2000s before beginning a slow decline.
More recently, from around 2010 onwards, the popularity of the name Kate has continued to decrease, although it remains moderately popular with around 700 to 900 births per year. Overall, the total number of girls named Kate at birth in the United States is approximately 84,838.