Cate is a feminine given name and a variant of Kate, typically considered a short form of Katherine and its various spellings. It is of English usage and has Latin, French, and Welsh origins.Etymology and HistoryThe name Cate ultimately derives from the Greek name Αἰκατερίνη (Aikaterine), whose exact etymology is debated. It may come from the earlier Ἑκατερινη (Hekaterine), related to ἑκάτερος (hekateros) meaning "each of the two," or from the goddess Hecate. Alternatively, it could be linked to Greek αἰκία (aikia) meaning "torture," or to a Coptic phrase meaning "my consecration of your name." In Christian times, the name became associated with Greek καθαρός (katharos), meaning "pure," leading to the Latin spelling Katharina.Famous bearers of Katherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century saint tortured on a wheel, spread the name in Europe after the Crusades. In England, it has been common since the 12th century in various spellings, with Cate emerging as a variant of Kate. Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (1593) featured Katherina, further popularizing the name (on which it is short). Henry VIII’s wives—including Katherine of Aragon, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr—and Empress Catherine the Great of Russia also bore this name, lending it regal cachet.Notable BearersThe most famous modern bearer is Australian actress Cate Blanchett (born 1969), an Academy Award-winning performer known for films such as Elizabeth and The Lord of the Rings. Other notable bearers include Australian swimmer Cate Campbell (born 1992), an Olympic gold medalist; Cate Edwards (born 1982), daughter of politician John Edwards; American basketball player Cate Reese (born 1999); writer Cate Tiernan (born 1961); and Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland (born 1968).Surnames use the name as well, including New Zealand cricketer Alf Cate (1878–1939) and American politician George W. Cate (1825–1905). Notable references also include Cate School, a co-educational college preparatory school in Santa Barbara, California. Field Cate (born 1990) is an American child actor.Related FormsCate fits among many variants and diminutives: Cat, Cathie, Cathy, Kit, Kittie, Katey, Katie, Katy, Kaety, and Katee. Cross-cultural forms include Russian Katerina, Lithuanian Kotryna, Greek Aikaterine, Hungarian Katalin, Basque Kattalin, and Hispanic Catalina—ultimately related to Katherine, the root name.Meaning: Variant of Kate, ultimately meaning "pure" (Greek katharos)Origin: Greek; became popularized via Christian saints and royaltyType: Feminine given nameUsage Regions: English-speaking world (primarily Anglosphere)