The name Kathie is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which in turn comes from the Greek words "katharos" meaning "pure" and "hekatos" meaning "each of the two." The name was popularized by the early Christian martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who lived in the 4th century AD.

In the Middle Ages, the name Katherine or its variations like Katharina, Catharine, and Kathryn became widespread across Europe, particularly in England, Germany, France, and other parts of Western Europe. It was often associated with nobility and royalty, with various queens, princesses, and noblewomen bearing the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kathie is found in the Middle English text "The Proverbs of Hendyng," written around 1300, where a character named "Kathie" is mentioned. In the 15th century, a woman named Kathie Barlass was recorded as owning land in Scotland.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Kathie, including Kathie Lee Gifford (born 1953), an American television host and actress; Kathie Steinhardt (1923-2017), an American writer and journalist; and Kathie Sullivan (born 1956), an American astronaut and the first American woman to walk in space.

Other famous Kathies include Kathie Browne (1919-2003), an American actress and dancer; Kathie Krause (1953-2018), an American politician and activist; and Kathie Lee Gifford (born 1953), an American television host and actress.

While the name Kathie is a diminutive form of the more common Katherine, it has its own unique charm and has been used by individuals from various walks of life throughout history, carrying on the legacy of its Greek origins and association with purity and nobility.