Kate

girlGreekChristian

Kate is a girl name of Greek, via English origin, meaning “Short for Katherine; often 'pure'”.

MeaningShort for Katherine; often 'pure'
GenderGirl
OriginGreek, via English
PronunciationKAYT
TraditionModern & Classic, Christian
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Australia, Ireland

Meaning and origin of Kate

Kate is a short form of Katherine, from the Greek Aikaterine, whose meaning is unknown but which was associated with katharos, 'pure'. It has been used independently since the Middle Ages and appears as the spirited heroine of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Catherine, Princess of Wales, often called Kate, has kept the name in the public eye.

Is Kate a religious name?

Through Katherine, Kate recalls Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Catherine of Siena, though it is used today as a secular name.

How popular is Kate?

A steady, widely used name across the English-speaking world.

Gifts with the name Kate

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Spellings and variants of Kate

KatherineKatieCateKat

Names similar to Kate

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kate mean?

Kate means 'Short for Katherine; often 'pure''. It is of Greek, via English origin.

Does Kate have a religious meaning?

Through Katherine, Kate recalls Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Catherine of Siena, though it is used today as a secular name.

How do you pronounce Kate?

Kate is pronounced KAYT.

Is Kate a boy or girl name?

Kate is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.