Names That Mean Pure

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.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

A Latinized form of Kleanthes, this name is best associated with literary and poetry critic, Cleanth Brooks.

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

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

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.

Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.

Glenys, like Glynis, is a Welsh name that has never caught on outside Wales.

Kalena is one of those names that has a pleasant-if-synthetic feel. Research turns up a range of origins and meanings, but the most reliable peg it as a derivation of Katherine.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

Strong cross-cultural name that could be a feminine spin on the Zachary family.

Yochanan Ben Zakkai is a prominent figure in Jewish history.

A possible Born Again name -- Amen -- in the same class as the still-popular Nevaeh (that's Heaven spelled backwards) and Trinity.

Uncommon nickname for Katherine.

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.

Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. But English speakers may want to choose the Katerina or Katarina spelling to avoid pronunciation confusion.

The sweet and simple Welsh form of Katherine, long popular in Wales but dropping down the popularity charts now. As a German name, it's a short form of Katharina.

Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

Turkish word name commonly seen in the doubled-barreled first name Ömer Halis.