Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Kitty since 1880
Babies named Kitty per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kitty's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 220 |
| 1890s | 302 |
| 1900s | 343 |
| 1910s | 759 |
| 1920s | 1,109 |
| 1930s | 1,205 |
| 1940s | 2,235 |
| 1950s | 2,553 |
| 1960s | 1,575 |
| 1970s | 602 |
| 1980s | 279 |
| 1990s | 207 |
| 2000s | 143 |
| 2010s | 103 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Kitty saw its highest recorded usage in 1881, the peak year with the most babies given the name. Since 1985, its popularity has been steadily declining, following a trajectory away from the vintage nickname names that had their heyday in the late 19th century. As a diminutive of Katherine, it carries the meaning 'pure' from its Greek roots. Though it has not cracked the top 1,000 in recent years, it remains a familiar choice, often associated with a playful, old-fashioned charm.
Kitty originated as a pet form of Katherine, a name of Greek origin meaning 'pure'. Katherine was borne by early Christian saints and became widespread in Europe. The nickname Kitty was used in English as early as the 16th century, and by the 18th century it was common as an independent given name. In the United States, Kitty was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Kitty 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.
“Kitty” around the world
Where Kitty lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kit, Kat
Variants: Kittie
Sibling names for Kitty
Names that share Kitty's style, for a brother or sister.
