Names That Mean Pure

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

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.

Variant of Kathleen

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

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.

Variation of Katherine.

A European nickname for Katherine variations.

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.

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

Original twist on this classic.

You've gotta be kitten.

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

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

Form of Katia, from Katherine.

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

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.

Classic Muslim name most popular among those in Pakistan and India.

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