Cate

Cate is a feminine given name, often a shortened form of Catherine or Katherine. It is used in English-speaking countries and may be chosen as a given name in its own right. The name Catherine derives from Greek Aikaterine, with contested meanings traditionally linked to "pure." The short form Cate shares the same origin and has become established as a standard given name in its own right.

As a standalone name, Cate is concise and contemporary. It is closely related to Kate, but tends to be seen as a separate name rather than merely a nickname. Variants and related names include Kate, Catherine, Katherine, and Kathryn; common nicknames include Cat and Cate itself. The name is particularly common in Australia and the United States.

Notable people named Cate include Cate Blanchett, the Oscar-winning Australian actress; Cate Campbell, an Australian Olympic swimmer; Cate Shortland, an Australian film director; and Cate Le Bon, a Welsh singer-songwriter. The name has also been used in fiction and media, reflecting its enduring presence in English-speaking cultures.

As a surname, Cate exists in English-speaking regions and may derive from the given name, used by some families as a hereditary surname.