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Kadi

Girl name · 14 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kadi: 14 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 2017.

Rooted in several traditions, Kadi most often emerges as an Estonian and Finnish diminutive of Katariina, the local form of Katherine—ultimately from the Greek *katharos*, meaning "pure." It also appears as a given name in West Africa, particularly among the Akan people of Ghana, where it can mean "the first-born after twins." The name gained notable visibility with Kadi Sesay, a prominent Sierra Leonean politician and academic who served as Minister of Trade and Industry. In Scotland, the name has a natural, warm cadence that blends well with both modern and traditional surnames. A further note: Kadi is also a variant used in parts of Scandinavia, offering a beautifully concise alternative to the more elaborate Catherine or Katherine. This simplicity gives the name a distinctly fresh, approachable feel.

Girl 3 of 52 years

Peak year
20177 babies
Latest (2017)
#4467 babies
Total births
14since 2008
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2017 · 7
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).