All about the name

Cathy

Male

« Cathy is a French-derived name that signifies "pure" or "clear," derived from 'cathédrale' meaning 'cathedral'. »

#9574 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Cathy is a name of French origin and it means "pure" or "clear". It is derived from the French word 'cathédrale', which means 'cathedral'. The name has been used since medieval times, often given to girls born around Easter time because the French word for Easter is 'Pâques' which sounds similar to 'Cathy'. The popularity of the name Cathy peaked in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. It was a popular choice among parents who wanted to give their daughters a strong, independent-sounding name. Today, Cathy is still used but it is less common than it once was. In literature, one of the most famous bearers of the name Cathy is Catherine Earnshaw, the protagonist of Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights". This character has helped to perpetuate the image of Cathy as a strong-willed, passionate woman. Overall, Cathy is a name with a rich history and a clear meaning. It has been used by many cultures throughout the centuries and continues to be chosen by parents who want to give their daughters a unique, memorable name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cathy since 1880

Total births
343
Total since 1880
Peak year
1956
23 births
in 1974
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years