Cathy is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name Catherina, which was used as an anglicized form of the Latin name Catharina. The Latin name Catharina is ultimately derived from the Greek word 'katharos', meaning pure or clear.
The name Cathy gained popularity during the 19th century in England and America, likely due to the influence of popular novels featuring characters named Catherine or Catherine-like names. Notable examples include "Catherine" by William Wordsworth (published in 1807) and "Cathy" as a shortened form of the main female character's name in Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" (published in 1847).
Throughout history, various figures have carried the name Cathy or its full form Catherine. Some notable examples include:
* Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), an Italian Dominican tertiary and a doctor of the Church.
* Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), an Italian noblewoman who became Queen consort of France as the wife of King Henry II.
* Catherine the Great (1729-1796), Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796.
While Cathy has been a popular name historically, its usage has varied over time and by region. In some years or places, it may have been quite common, while in others, it was less frequently used. Today, Cathy is still considered a classic and timeless name that continues to be chosen for new-born girls by parents who appreciate its historical significance and pleasant sound.
In summary, the name Cathy is of English origin, derived from the Latin name Catharina, which means 'pure' or 'clear'. It has been used historically in various forms, with notable figures including saints, queens, and empresses. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Cathy remains a beloved and enduring name choice for girls.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the popularity of the name Cathy in the United States over time.
From 1918 to 1940, the number of births named Cathy remained relatively low, with fewer than 200 births per year. However, starting from 1941, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Cathy, with a total of 312 births that year.
The peak popularity for the name Cathy occurred between 1946 and 1958, with over 700 births per year each year during this period. The highest point was reached in 1957, with 10,324 births named Cathy.
After 1958, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Cathy. By 1965, the figure had dropped to 4,151 births. This downward trend continued throughout the remaining years listed in the statistics, with fewer than 300 births named Cathy per year after 2002.
In recent years, the name Cathy has become quite rare, with only 25 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, while the name Cathy was once popular in the United States, it has since fallen out of favor and is now relatively uncommon.