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Kate

Girl name · 1,911 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kate: 1,911 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 73 births in 2003.

Kate is a timeless and beloved name, a short form of Katherine, which itself has ancient Greek origins from *Aikaterine*, a name of uncertain meaning, though it has long been associated with the Greek *katharos*, meaning "pure." The name has been borne by numerous royals, most notably Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, known globally as Kate Middleton, whose grace and style have made the name synonymous with modern royalty. It also brings to mind the spirited Kate Hardcastle from Oliver Goldsmith's classic play *She Stoops to Conquer*. While there are no major places directly named Kate, the name shares its root with the Scottish town of St. Catherine's. A charming note: Kate has been a consistently popular choice in Scotland for decades, often seen as a friendly, approachable alternative to the more formal Katherine.

Girl 52 of 52 years

Peak year
200373 babies
Latest (2025)
#4746 babies
Total births
1,911since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 59%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2003 · 73
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).