Names That Mean Pure

Attractive and equally intriguing alternative to Katya.

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.

Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther, in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery character. Nakia lies outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.

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

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

Yochanan Ben Zakkai is a prominent figure in Jewish history.

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

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

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

For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls. It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case, it's "servant of Mary", making it a subtle male Marian name.

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

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.

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

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.

Gentler and much less frequently heard than Tamar.

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.

Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.