Cate – Name Meaning

The name Cate is of English origin and is derived from the Latin word “cattus”, which means “pure”. It is a unisex name that has been used for both boys and girls since the Middle Ages. The name Cate has been popular in England since the 16th century and is still widely used today.

History and Origin

The name Cate has its roots in the Latin language, where it was derived from the word “cattus”, which means “pure”. This name was first used in England during the Middle Ages as a unisex name. It was popular among both boys and girls, but eventually became more commonly used for girls.

In the 16th century, the name Cate began to gain popularity in England. It was often given to daughters of noble families as a sign of purity and innocence. The name also became popular among commoners during this time period, as it was seen as a symbol of strength and courage.

Popularity

The name Cate is still quite popular in England today. According to records from 2018, it ranked at number 545 on the list of most popular baby girl names in England. In Scotland, it ranked at number 602 on the same list.

In the United States, however, the name Cate is not as popular. According to records from 2018, it ranked at number 2,837 on the list of most popular baby girl names in America. Despite its lower ranking in America, it is still a beautiful and unique name that many parents choose for their daughters.

Famous People Named Cate

There are several famous people who have been given the name Cate throughout history. One of these people is actress Cate Blanchett, who won an Academy Award for her role in The Aviator (2004). Another famous person with this name is singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, who has released several albums over her career.

Other famous people named Cate include author Cate Tiernan (author of the Sweep series), model Cate Underwood (winner of Britain’s Next Top Model), and actress Cate Edwards (daughter of former U.S. Senator John Edwards).

Variations of the Name

The name Cate can be shortened to Cat or Cathy if desired. Other variations include Kaitlyn or Katelyn (which are more common in America) or Caitlin or Caitlyn (which are more common in Ireland).

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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