All about the name

Kathey

Female

« Kathey is an English feminine given name derived from the Middle English form of Catherine, meaning 'pure' or 'clear'. »

#5333 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Kathryn is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English form of the Late Latin name "Catherine," which was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century. The name Catherine is composed of two elements: "katharos" meaning pure or clear, and "-ine" denoting a person or place. Therefore, the name signifies purity or clarity. Over time, the spelling of Kathryn has varied considerably, including Katherine, Cathryn, Katharine, Catheryn, Kathleen, Kathey, and many others. The popularity of the name Kathryn can be traced back to its association with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was revered throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. Legend has it that Catherine was a princess who converted to Christianity and refused to marry unless her suitor could solve a riddle posed by her. Impressed by her intelligence and faith, many men sought her hand but were unsuccessful until they reached the conclusion that she was destined for greater things. Kathryn gained further popularity during the Victorian era when it became fashionable among the British upper class to use old-fashioned names like Catherine and Elizabeth for their daughters. Today, Kathryn remains a popular choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their baby girl. In literature and history, several notable figures have borne this name, including Kathryn O'Hara, the author of several children's books; Kathryn Bigelow, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for her work on "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty"; and Kathryn Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post who oversaw its transformation into a major American newspaper during the mid-20th century. Overall, Kathey is a name with deep historical roots and a rich cultural heritage that continues to resonate with parents seeking timeless elegance for their daughters.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Kathey since 1880

Total births
1,600
Total since 1880
Peak year
1956
126 births
in 1977
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years