Kathy is a feminine given name of American origin. It is a diminutive form of Katherine or Catherine, which are derived from the Greek word "Aikaterine," meaning "pure" or "unalloyed." This name has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries and was particularly common in the mid-20th century.
The name Kathy gained popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, likely due to its use by celebrities such as actresses Katharine Hepburn and Kathy Fiscus. However, it has been used less frequently in recent years.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name. One example is Kathy Acker (1947-1997), an American experimental novelist known for her controversial works that explored themes of sexuality, gender, and identity. Another example is Kathy Ireland, a successful American businesswoman, actress, and model who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s.
In literature and popular culture, the name Kathy has appeared in various forms throughout history. For instance, it is the name of the protagonist in the novella "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" by Alan Sillitoe. Additionally, a character named Kathy H. is featured in Kurt Vonnegut's novel "Slaughterhouse-Five." More recently, the name appears in the popular young adult book series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare, where it belongs to one of the main characters, Kathleen "Kathy" Herondale.
In summary, Kathy is a feminine given name with American roots that has been used for centuries. Derived from the Greek word meaning "pure," this name gained popularity mid-century and has been borne by notable individuals throughout history. Its use in literature and popular culture further contributes to its enduring recognition.
The name Kathy has a notable history of usage in the United States, with a total of 739 babies being named Kathy between 1942 and 1988. The name's popularity fluctuated over this period.
In the early years, from 1942 to 1953, the number of births varied significantly each year. The lowest recorded was 8 births in 1942, while the highest was 26 births in 1952. However, starting from 1955, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Kathy, with the highest peak occurring in 1957, when 50 babies were named Kathy.
The peak in popularity continued until 1962, with at least 32 births each year. However, starting from 1963, there was a gradual decrease in the usage of the name Kathy. By 1984, the number of births had reduced to just 5 per year.
It is interesting to note that despite the decline in popularity over time, the name Kathy remains somewhat consistent in its usage, with an average of approximately 27 births per year between 1942 and 1988. This suggests that while it may not have been a top choice for parents during certain periods, there has consistently been a segment of the population that preferred this name.
In conclusion, the statistics demonstrate that Kathy was a popular girls' name in the United States mid-20th century, with its peak popularity occurring between 1955 and 1962. However, its usage gradually declined afterwards, although it remained consistently present throughout the period studied.