Names That Mean Pure

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative with the name might want to consider Kasia, Katarzyna's lovely (and much more English-friendly) nickname.

Katy, or more popularly Katie, stood fashionably on their own two feet for several years there, during the Katelyn boom. But now both Katy and Katie are fading in favor of grownup Kate or buttoned-up Katherine.

Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and the first to reach the summits of the tallest peaks on all seven continents.

A respelling of the Hebrew name Zaccai or a combination of Zack and Kai/Khai.

Variant of Kathleen

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

The original Irish spelling of Caitlin, the name that launched a thousand spelling variations.

Variation of Katherine.

A European nickname for Katherine variations.

An ultra-positive word name, notably the middle of musician Quincy Jones.

In Estonia, short-form Riina is more common than its mother name, Katariina.

You've gotta be kitten.

Means "pure" in the Tagalog language of the Philippines.

Original twist on this classic.

Form of Katia, from Katherine.

Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.

Variation of Katherine.

In Yoruba mythology from Nigeria, Yewa is a goddess of virginity and death, said to reside in a graveyard.

Actress Hepburn made the Katharine spelling famous, which seems to be the inspiration for this spin on Catherine.

Katti or Kattie is a short form of Katherine, more old fashioned than Kate and more unusual than Kathy.