Cathy

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Pure; Clear

Background: The name Cathy originates as a diminutive form of the name Catherine. Catherine derives from the Greek 'katharos,' meaning 'pure' or 'clear.' This association highlights the qualities attributed to the name.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#232
Total births
170,634
Most popular decade
1950s (248,574 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-2,615 ranks)
Years in Top 100
18
First recorded year
1918

Gender usage

0.2% male 99.8% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1945
First year births
6
First year rank
#2,996
Peak year
1956
Peak year births
23
Peak rank
#1,642
Most recent year
1974
Recent year births
5
Recent rank
#5,227

Female

First year
1918
First year births
5
First year rank
#4,809
Peak year
1958
Peak year births
10,942
Peak rank
#34
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
20
Recent rank
#5,941

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links