Kit is a crisp, old-time nickname with plenty of spirit and style. In the UK it's a rising star for boys, while in the US, it is trending upwards for girls too.

Kate, in the headlines via Catherine Middleton aka the Princess of Wales, has been as pervasive as Kathy was in the 1950s and 1960s, both as a nickname for Katherine and Kaitlyn and as a strong, classic stand-alone name.

Friendly mega-popular short form of Katherine that has definitively replaced Kathy, Katie is often given on its own. Going forward, though, Katie is more stylishly clipped itself to the grownup Kate.

This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related names, Kitty is sounding cute and cuddly again—she's already jumped back onto the U.K. list, at number 199.

Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known contemporary representative, and Kiki was the inspiring heroine of Zadie Smith's On Beauty. Kiki can be a nickname for any name beginning with the K sound, from Katherine to Christina to Kayla.

One of those short, punchy names with its roots in a variety of different cultures and languages, Rina is sister to names like Mina, Mira, Lina, and Nina. Retro in feel, but never overused in the US, it peaked in 1980 when it was given to 90 girls.

Kay, a cigarette-smoking, nightclubbing name of the 1930's, could be ready for a comeback along with cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae.

A very popular name for girls in Japan, though it is a unisex choice. It can mean "severe, cold", but also "dignified", "ethics" and "phosphorus", depending on the kanji used. It is notably used for the Vocaloid Rin Kagamine.

Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either Catherine Katherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.

There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.

Ketty is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Katherine or as an independent name with various cultural connections. In Swedish and Finnish contexts, it's a pet form of Katherine, while in India it may be used as a variant spelling of Kitti. The name has a light, playful quality with its short, bright sound. Katherine, from which it often derives, means "pure" in Greek. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Ketty maintains popularity in parts of Europe and South Asia. The name's brevity and cheerful sound make it appealing for parents seeking something sweet and distinctive without being completely unfamiliar.

Kaisa is a feminine name with Finnish and Estonian origins, functioning as a variant of Katherine or Kaarina. Simple yet distinctive, this name carries a fresh, modern sound while maintaining traditional Nordic roots. In Finland, Kaisa has maintained moderate popularity for generations, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and spelling. The name reflects the characteristically concise style of Finnish naming traditions. Besides Finland and Estonia, Kaisa occasionally appears in other Scandinavian countries. The name's meaning connects back to Katherine's Greek origin signifying 'pure.' Kaisa exemplifies the elegant simplicity valued in Nordic naming customs while remaining accessible to international speakers.

Like a blend of vintage-style Edie and popular Katie, Keedie is either an invented name, a variant of the Scottish surname Keddy, or possibly a short form of Katherine.

Uncommon nickname for Katherine.

An attractive and intriguing choice with an appealing blend of gentle and sharper sounds, Kasia is a diminutive of Katarzyna, the Polish form of Katherine. Ultimately from Greek, it is generally interpreted to mean "pure".

One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington is the father of a Katia.

A great middle name option to honor a Kathryn. Coco Rocha used it for her daughter Iley's middle name.

We're hearing Kat more and more being used by Katherines who are tired of Kathy, Kate and Katie. Katti or Kattie is another possibility.

Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.

Kady, though it has an authentic Irish meaning, may also be a variation of Katy short form of Kadence, or combination of initials K. and D. Though Kady is more distinctive, everyone will just hear it as Katy.