Kathe

Kathe is a feminine given name, primarily used in German-speaking regions, where it is a diminutive form of Katharina, itself derived from the Greek name Aikaterine. The meaning of Aikaterine is debated, but it is commonly associated in naming tradition with the idea of purity. In German, Käthe is the standard spelling; Kathe is a common anglicized or alternative form used in non-German contexts or when umlauts are not available.

The name Kathe or Käthe enjoyed popularity in German-speaking countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it is less common and is often viewed as traditional or old-fashioned, though it remains in use. In English-speaking countries, the form Kathe is sometimes used to represent the same name without the umlaut.

Notable people bearing the name include Käthe Kollwitz, a German artist and sculptor known for her social realism; Käthe Dorsch, a German stage and film actress; and Käthe von Nagy, a Hungarian-born actress who gained fame in German cinema. The name has also appeared in literature and film as a character name and in genealogical records.