US Popularity Rank: 11524

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Pure

Kate or Cate? A tale as old as time, caregivers have asked themselves this question for nearly half a century! While both are girls names and mean "pure" in Greek, Cate has always been the rarest of the two. Even at the height of actress Cate Blanchett's career, it peaked just short of 2,600 in US rankings. This beautiful short form is rooted in Katherine or Catherine—that's a whole other story—and the Greek goddess Hecate. Among other mystical things, Hecate is associated with magic, witchcraft, the moon, and, interestingly, both night and light. With such an epic namesake, your darling Cate will never feel second best. With a warm heart and quick mind, they'll bewitch the world with their radiant personality!