Declining since 1986, #646 for girls today.
Popularity of Katie since 1880
Babies named Katie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,907 |
| 1890s | 5,178 |
| 1900s | 5,304 |
| 1910s | 8,419 |
| 1920s | 9,398 |
| 1930s | 6,959 |
| 1940s | 6,180 |
| 1950s | 5,257 |
| 1960s | 5,216 |
| 1970s | 17,486 |
| 1980s | 72,883 |
| 1990s | 49,468 |
| 2000s | 30,607 |
| 2010s | 11,699 |
| 2020s | 3,324 |
Meaning & origin
Katie has been a staple of American naming since at least 1880, when it first appeared on record. Its peak came in 1986, when it reached its highest rank. Since the 1980s the name has been falling in usage, reflecting a broader trend away from classic nickname-as-full-name choices. While the name is used nationwide, it has shown particular strength in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Kansas, where it ranked highest relative to other states. The trajectory shows declining popularity, as families favor bolder or more distinctive sounds.
Katie originated as a pet form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The meaning is often associated with katharos, Greek for 'pure'. The name became widely used in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward, often as an independent given name rather than a nickname.
Where Katie 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.
“Katie” around the world
Where Katie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
#41
in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kate, Katy
Sibling names for Katie
Names that share Katie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Emily, Abigail, Hannah, Sarah, Danni, Jaimie, Jannie, Jeannie, Karrie, Lacie, Lacy, Nikki, Vicky, Becki, Cammy, Carie, Casie, Chrissy, Genny, Janey, Jeni, Kimmie, Kimmy, Krissy, Madie, Sammi, Tommi, Torie, Cadie, Jamy, Jaynie, Jenney, Kriste, Maggy, Frannie, Jamiee, Jeny, Katti, Libbi, Lyndie, Nikie, Jennylee, Nikky, Stephie
Brothers: Jack, Samuel, Benjamin, Thomas, William, Joey, Kenny, Nicky, Sammy, Scotty, Timmy, Mikey, Timmie, Mikie, Jimy, Kinnie, Macky
Names like Katie
Names whose popularity has moved with Katie's over the last 50 years.
