Find out how popular the first name Katy has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Katy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Katy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 89 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katy.

The history of the first name Katy

The name Katy is an English diminutive form of the name Katherine, derived from the ancient Greek name Aikaterine. Aikaterine is composed of the Greek elements "katharos" meaning "pure" and "hagne" meaning "virginal." The name Katherine was introduced to England from France after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, various shortened forms and nicknames emerged, including Kate, Katie, Katy, and Kitty.

The earliest recorded use of the name Katy can be traced back to the 13th century in England. One of the earliest notable figures with this name was Katy Wiltshire, an English governess and tutor who lived during the 15th century. She was known for her contributions to early childhood education and her writings on teaching methods.

In the 16th century, Katy Stuart was a Scottish noblewoman and lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots. She played a significant role in the political intrigues of the time and was a prominent figure in the Scottish court.

During the 17th century, Katy Wilkins, an English Quaker, was known for her advocacy of religious tolerance and her efforts to promote education for women. She established one of the first schools for girls in London and was instrumental in advancing women's rights during that era.

In the 18th century, Katy Austen was an English writer and poet. She is best known for her collection of poems titled "The Seasons of Life," which explored themes of nature, love, and the human experience.

Another notable figure in history was Katy Nightingale, a British nurse who served during the Crimean War in the 1850s. She worked alongside Florence Nightingale and was instrumental in improving the conditions of field hospitals and the care of wounded soldiers.

Throughout history, the name Katy has been associated with various cultural and artistic figures, writers, and notable women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Katy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Katy, please contact us.

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