Kathi

Kathi is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of Katherine. With Greek roots in the name Aikaterine, it carries the meaning 'pure' or 'clear.' This shortened, more casual variant became popular in the mid-20th century when nickname forms were often used as given names. Kathi peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the trend toward informal versions of traditional names. While less common than similar variations like Kathy or Cathy, Kathi offers a distinctive spelling that maintains the friendly, approachable quality while standing out slightly from its counterparts. Today, while not as frequently chosen for newborns, it remains a recognizable name with a warm, vintage charm.

Pronounced KATH-ee.

As of October 2026, Kathi ranked #16614 in US births in 2001 SSA, peaked at #311 in 1954.