Names That Mean Pure

The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility.

This mini name is more spunky than Zack or Zeke, but shares those well-loved sounds. In Ethiopia, Zeki means "pure", and is pronounced "zeh-KEE", with emphasis on the second syllable. With the rise of trending Zakai and similar names into the US charts, Zeki has potential.

One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.

Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.

The Russian version of Katherine is usually Ekaterina, but this Slovak form is used throughout Eastern Europe and may be more friendly to the American ear.

One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington gave his daughter the Katia spelling.

Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.

A simple and charismatic Chinese and Korean name, also spelled Joon.

Lucasta was invented by seventeenth century poet Richard Lovelace for a collection of poems dedicated to a lover named Lucy, and is familiar through the Eugene O'Neill play and film Anna Lucasta. Lucasta is a distinctive, rarely used choice and a logical extension of the Luke/Luc/Luca names.

Spelling variant of Catalina, currently on the rise in the US.

A name that relates to Concepcion and the Virgin Mary, but feels a good deal more secular.

Keke is a multicultural double-punch nickname, notably borne by actress Keke Palmer. Palmer was born Lauren Keyana, yet her nickname does not derive from her middle name — her older sister had an imaginary friend named Keke.

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

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

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.

May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

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

One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties -- and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? -- now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.

Yochanan Ben Zakkai is a prominent figure in Jewish history.