The name Kat is a short form of the female given name Katherine or Kathryn. It has its origins in Greek and means "pure" or "clear". The name was brought to Britain by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and it became popular among the aristocracy during the Middle Ages.
The name Kat is often associated with the biblical figure Catherine of Alexandria, who was a Christian martyr. She refused to renounce her faith despite being sentenced to death on the wheel, which miraculously broke apart when she touched it. This story has contributed to the popularity of the name Katherine and its variants over the centuries.
In literature, one of the most famous Kat characters is Catherine "Cat"imini in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Black Cat". The story follows the narrator as he tortures and kills his pet cat, who then haunts him after his death. This character has contributed to the name Kat being associated with mystery and suspense.
In popular culture, some well-known people with the name Kat include American actress Katherine Heigl, known for her role in the television series "Grey's Anatomy", and British singer-songwriter Kate Nash, who rose to fame in the mid-2000s. These individuals have helped to perpetuate the popularity of the name Kat as a strong and independent female given name.
Overall, the name Kat has a rich history and cultural significance that spans centuries and continents. Its origins in Greek mythology and association with biblical figures have contributed to its enduring popularity, while its use in literature and popular culture has added depth and complexity to its meaning.
The name Kat has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. In 2007, there were 9 babies named Kat, according to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names. This number dipped slightly to 5 births in 2009.
However, the popularity of the name Kat began to rise again after a few years, with 7 babies being named Kat in 2013. This upward trend continued, with 6 babies given the name in both 2016 and 2021. Most recently, in 2023, there were 7 births of girls named Kat.
Over this 15-year span from 2007 to 2023, a total of 40 babies have been named Kat in the United States. This data shows that while the popularity of the name Kat has fluctuated over time, it has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the U.S.