Holding steady.
Popularity of Kathe since 1940
Babies named Kathe per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1951, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kathe's real moment was 1944.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 340 |
| 1950s | 442 |
| 1960s | 208 |
| 1970s | 39 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kathe saw its highest recorded usage in 1944, the peak year for this concise variant of Katharine. Although the name has never been among the most popular in the U.S., it maintained a stable presence in the 1940s before declining in use. The name's trajectory suggests it is a rare but enduring choice, often associated with German heritage or as a shorter alternative to Katherine. Notably, Kathe has not appeared in any ranked position in recent decades, reflecting its status as a vintage revival candidate rather than a contemporary staple.
Kathe is a German diminutive of Katharine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The name came into German usage via the Christian tradition, particularly through saints such as Catherine of Alexandria. It was adopted in English-speaking countries as a variant spelling of Katy or Cathy, though it remains less common.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kathe
Names that share Kathe's style, for a brother or sister.
