Kitty

Share
© Shutterstock

Fact sheet

Name
Kitty
Gender
Girl name
Syllables
2

The female first name Kitty was borrowed from the English language in the 19th century and is considered an English short and pet form of the name Katharina/Catherine/Katrin, which in turn traces back to the ancient Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη).

What does the name Kitty mean?

The female first name Kitty was borrowed from the English language in the 19th century and is considered an English short and pet form of the name Katharina/Catherine/Katrin, which in turn traces back to the ancient Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερίνη). The name primarily means 'the pure one' (Roman-Latin), a meaning that was 'incorrectly' attributed by the Romans and has persisted to this day. The roots of Kitty lie in ancient Greek, derived from the term katharós (καθαρός), which stands for 'pure,' 'clean,' 'unstained,' and 'spotless.' In addition to this commonly accepted derivation since early Christianity, there are other possible origins and meanings. The name could also be derived from the following ancient Greek elements: hekáteros (ἑκάτερος) for 'each of the two' and 'each one separately,' hekás (ἑκάς) for 'far away' and 'distant' in relation to the goddess Hekátē (Ἑκάτη), hekatón (ἑκᾰτόν) for 'hundred,' aikíā (αἰκῐ́ᾱ) for 'torture,' 'physical violence,' and 'outrage.' Additionally, there is a connection to a Coptic name that translates to 'my consecration of your name.' The name is also given as a pet form for Kitten (kitten). The first name has become widespread due to the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Kittý is the Icelandic spelling. Other variants include Katrina, Katrine, Ketty, Kitti, Katinka, Kathinka, Katixa, Katicia, Katika, and Katiusca. A well-known personality is the German painter Kitty Kahane.

Where does the name Kitty come from?

Etymology Kitty is a female first name of ancient Greek origin meaning 'the pure one.' Ancient Greek

How do you pronounce Kitty?

Sound & pronunciation of Kitty: The name Kitty is two syllables and lively in sound. It is usually pronounced as 'Kit-ty' [ˈkɪti], with the double 't' providing a rhythmic emphasis in the center. The bright ending with '-y' gives the name lightness and a playful touch. Kitty thus appears cheerful and modern - compact, agile, and with a charming, uncomplicated presence.

When is the name day of Kitty?

The name day for Kitty is March 24, April 29, September 15, November 25, and December 31.

Popularity

Kitty is a common first name in Germany. In 2018, it ranked 2,749th in the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was in 2009 at 2,111th place. Over the last ten years, Kitty has been given as a first name about 20 times, placing it at 6,729th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 7,235th.

Nicknames & pet names

Cat / Kati / Katie / Ketti / Ketty / Kibbern / KiKi / Kit / Kit Kat / Kitt / Kittchen / Kittee / Kitteen / Kittey / Kittie / Kittina / Kittl / Kitty-Cat / Kätzchen

Similar first names

Famous people

  • Hello Kitty (Fictional character from the Japanese company Sanrio in cat form.)
  • Katherine (Kitty) Bennet (Fictional character from Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice')
  • Kitty (This was the name of Anne Frank's imaginary diary friend!)
  • Kitty Clive (1711–1785), English actress, soprano, and author)
  • Kitty Durham (British musician and member of the band 'Kitty, Daisy & Lewis')
  • Kitty Forman (Fictional character from the US series 'That '70s Show')
  • Kitty Genovese (1935–1964), born Catherine Genovese, New York murder victim)
  • Kitty Grime (1930-2007), British jazz singer and journalist)
  • Kitty Hart-Moxon (Author, Holocaust survivor)
  • Kitty Hayes (British model)
  • Kitty Hoff (Musician)
  • Kitty Kat (German rapper)
  • Kitty Kino (Austrian director and screenwriter)
  • Kitty Wells (American singer, born Ellen Muriel Deason)
  • Kitty Wilde (Character from the US series 'Glee')

Frequently asked questions about the name Kitty

What is the origin of the name Kitty?

Kitty is a female first name with ancient Greek roots. It is derived from the term 'katharós,' which means 'pure' or 'unstained.'

What does the name Kitty mean?

The name Kitty is primarily associated with the meaning 'the pure one.' This interpretation comes from Latin and has persisted over the centuries.

How popular is the name Kitty?

Kitty enjoys a certain popularity, especially in English-speaking countries. The name has gained recognition through the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

Cookie settings

We use cookies to run this website and to show personalised advertising via Google AdSense. Necessary cookies are required for the site to work. Marketing cookies allow us to show relevant ads. You can change your choice at any time. Learn more