Kitty - Female Name Meaning and Origin
- Origin
- Greek (via English diminutive of Katherine)
- Meaning
- Pure
- Pronunciation
- KIT-ee
- Gender
- Female
- Variations
- Katherine, Catherine, Kate, Katie
- Notable Namesakes
- Kitty Bennet (character in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice)
- Kitty Scherbatsky (character in Anna Karenina)
- Hello Kitty (iconic Japanese character and cultural symbol)
Etymology & Heritage
The name Kitty is predominantly used in English-speaking countries and is considered to be a pet form or diminutive of the name Katherine. Katherine itself originates from the Greek name Aikaterine, though the etymology behind the original Greek name remains somewhat uncertain.
A popular theory posits that Katherine is derived from the Greek word katharos, which means pure, thus giving Kitty its connotative meaning of purity through its connection to this ancient Greek root via its parent name Katherine.
Character & Essence
It's worth noting that in English, the word kitty has connotations that veer away from the typical name-meaning paradigm. Most prominently, it's commonly used as a term for a young cat. This definition imbues the name Kitty with an additional layer of meaning.
Innocence, curiosity, playfulness, gracefulness, and autonomy are traits often associated with felines, lending the name qualities of both delicate charm and independent strength. These cat-like associations create a unique duality within the name, suggesting someone who embodies both gentle purity and spirited independence.
Cultural & Contemporary Significance
The name has graced various cultural mediums through notable fictional characters. In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Kitty Bennet is portrayed as a charming, but slightly naive character, while in Anna Karenina, Kitty Scherbatsky appears as a young and lovable woman.
Hello Kitty, the worldwide popular Japanese character, represents perhaps the most significant contemporary bearer of the name and has become a symbol for kawaii (cute) culture in Japan, extending the name's reach into global popular culture.
Overall, the name Kitty carries with it a multi-faceted significance. Through its connection to Katherine, it inherits the meaning of pure from Greek origins, prompts associations of cat-like qualities due to its English usage, and reflects an array of characters and personas from global pop culture. Both delicate and strong, Kitty is a name rich in history and full of potential for unique, personal meaning.