Katie

The name Katie originated as a pet form of the name Katherine or Kathleen. Katherine is the English form of the more typically French name Catherine, which was borne by a popular Christian saint martyred in Alexandria, Egypt in the 4th century, and a favorite in medieval times when the popularity of the name grew. The etymology of Katherine is debated, but she probably shares her roots with the name Hecate, Greek goddess of the wilderness, childbirth, and crossroads. Alternately, the Greek name “Aikaterina” has led to speculation that the name is derived from the Greek 'aikia,' meaning 'torture,' but this is not widely held (although St. Catherine was tortured at the wheel which might be from where this folk etymology originated). The 4th-Century Saint Catherine of Alexandria, nicknamed 'the pure one,' was a Christian martyr tortured on the wheel for upholding her religious beliefs. The name was associated with the Greek ‘katharos’' meaning 'pure.' Our modern use of the Greek-derived “catharsis,” (to purge or cleanse), also lends to C/Katherine's association with ideas of purity and innocence. The byname Katie developed into an independent name in her own right in the 20th century. The name is often paired with other names such as Katie-Ann, Katie-Louise, or Katie-Mae.