Rising since 1991, #2,641 for boys today.
Popularity of Kato since 1914
Babies named Kato per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 18 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 105 |
| 2010s | 337 |
| 2020s | 288 |
Meaning & origin
Kato first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1914, but for most of the 20th century it saw only sporadic use. The name began a sustained upward climb in popularity starting in 1991, and by 2022 it had reached its peak rank. In 2025, it ranked 2,641st, given to approximately 1 in 34,859 newborn boys. The name is most popular in Texas and California, reflecting its modern, multicultural appeal. Its etymological ties to both Japanese surnames and the widespread Katherine family give it a dual identity that feels both grounded and international.
Kato is a name with multiple possible origins. In Japanese, Katō (加藤) is a common surname meaning 'increase wisteria.' As a given name, it may also be a diminutive of Katherine (from Greek Aikaterine, of debated meaning) or a short form of Kathleen (Irish form of Katherine). Its use as a masculine first name in the United States has grown steadily since the 1990s, influenced by its simple, strong sound.
Where Kato is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Cato
Sibling names for Kato
Names that share Kato's style, for a brother or sister.
