Holding steady.
Popularity of Kathi since 1938
Babies named Kathi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 805 |
| 1950s | 4,863 |
| 1960s | 3,319 |
| 1970s | 830 |
| 1980s | 213 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kathi first entered U.S. birth records in 1938, a short form of Katherine that enjoyed its greatest popularity in the post-World War II era. It reached its highest rank in 1958, when it was given to several hundred baby girls across the country. Since then, usage has declined steadily; by 2025 the name is given to fewer than five newborns per year and no longer appears in national rankings. The trajectory has been stable at very low numbers for decades. Despite its rarity, Kathi remains a familiar and approachable nickname-style name, particularly among families who favor classic, traditional roots.
Kathi is a short form of Katherine or Kathleen, which derive from the Greek name Aikaterine. The name's meaning is traditionally associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries through various saints and has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century.
Where Kathi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kat, Katie, Kitty
Sibling names for Kathi
Names that share Kathi's style, for a brother or sister.
