Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Katie
GirlEnglish, Greek· “often said to mean 'pure'”
- Meaning
- often said to mean 'pure' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KAY-tee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #646
- US babies 2025
- 447
- Best rank
- #38 (1986)
- Peak year
- 1986
Meaning and origin of Katie
Katie is often said to mean “often said to mean 'pure'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Greek roots.
Katie began as a pet form of Katherine, which comes from the Greek Aikaterine. The name's origin is uncertain, but it has long been associated with the Greek katharos, meaning pure. Katie became a name in its own right in the twentieth century and was especially popular in the late twentieth century. It feels friendly, cheerful and approachable. Katie can stand alone or serve as a nickname for Katherine, Kathleen and Caitlin. Spellings include Katy and Kaitie.
Other spellings with the same sound: Katy, Kati, Katey.
Popularity over time
Katie has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #38 in 1986, the same year it reached its highest count of 8,333 babies. In 2025, 447 babies were named Katie, and it ranked #646 nationally. That is 58% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #184 in 1920, #352 in 1950, #44 in 1980, #95 in 2000, #161 in 2010, and #646 in 2025. Of the 241,285 US girls named Katie since records began, 30% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 49,468 babies. Since 2010, 15,023 more have been named Katie.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Vanessa, Whitney, Erica, Jenna, and Krystal.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Katie ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #238 | 48 |
| Mississippi | #282 | 10 |
| Missouri | #320 | 19 |
| Kansas | #343 | 10 |
| Wisconsin | #405 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Katie is usually pronounced KAY-tee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ie”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Katy, Kati, and Katey.
Middle names for Katie
A few middle names that flow with Katie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Katie
Similar names
Maggie Girl
MAG-ee
“pearl” · English
#294
Callie Girl
KAL-ee
“beautiful” · Greek
#175
Gracie Girl
GRAY-see
“grace” · English
#227
Angie Girl
AN-jee
“messenger; pet form of Angela” · English
#705
Lexie Girl
LEHK-see
“short for Alexandra; defender” · Greek
#1,357
Charlie Unisex
CHAHR-lee
“free man” · English
#145
Tessa Girl
TES-uh
“short for Theresa” · English
#311
Allie Girl
AL-ee
“short for Allison or Alexandra” · English
#569
Annie Girl
A-nee
“grace, favor” · English
#182
Hallie Girl
HA-lee
“pet form of Harriet or Hal” · English
#120
Evie Girl
EH-vee
“life; pet form of Eve or Evelyn” · English
#270
Jessie Unisex
JEH-see
“pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet” · English
#824
Lists that include Katie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Katie mean?
Katie is often said to mean “often said to mean 'pure'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Katie?
Katie has English and Greek roots. Katie began as a pet form of Katherine, which comes from the Greek Aikaterine.
Is Katie a popular name?
Yes. Katie ranked #646 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Katie a boy or girl name?
Katie is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Katie?
Katie is usually pronounced KAY-tee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings