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Kath is a feminine given name that is most often a shortened form of Katherine, Kathryn, or Kathleen. It is also used as a standalone name in some cases, especially in English-speaking countries. In literature, film, and everyday life, Kath is commonly encountered as a familiar or informal form of longer names.

The name derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, though the exact meaning of Aikaterine is debated. A traditional association links Katherine with the idea of purity, and Saint Katharine of Alexandria contributed to the name’s long-standing popularity in Christian Europe. Over time, Kath emerged as a convenient nickname or casual form, separate from its longer variants.

Variants and related forms include Kat, Kate, Kathy, Katy, and Kathryn. Usage patterns vary by region and generation: Kath is more likely to be found as a casual or historical nickname, while Katherine, Kathryn, and Kathleen remain common in formal contexts. Some individuals may be legally named Kath as their full given name, though this is less common in contemporary naming trends.

Cultural presence of Kath is tied closely to its role as a nickname. It appears in fiction and media as a familiar, approachable character name and continues to be recognized as part of the broader family of Katherine-derived names.

See also: Katherine, Kathryn, Kathleen, Kate, Kat.