Caty

Meaning & origin

Caty is a variant spelling of the familiar nickname Katy, itself a diminutive of Katherine. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1974, and its peak popularity came in the year 2000. In 2025, Caty ranked 10,917 nationally, with about 1 in 200,908 baby girls given the name. The name has remained relatively stable in usage, maintaining a modest presence without dramatic rises or falls. As a modern spelling variation, Caty offers a slightly distinctive twist on a classic short form, though it has never reached widespread popularity. Its enduring appeal lies in its familiar sound and the enduring legacy of its longer form, Katherine.

Caty is a spelling variant of Katy, itself a diminutive of Katherine or Catherine. The name Catherine ultimately derives from the Greek Aikaterine, whose meaning is uncertain but has long been associated with katharos, meaning 'pure'. The variant form emerged as an affectionate nickname in English-speaking countries and has been used as an independent given name since the 20th century.