How popular is the baby name Kate in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Kate.

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Popularity of the baby name Kate


Posts that mention the name Kate

Anagram baby names (4 letters long)

Anagram baby names (4 letters)

Looking for a set of baby names with something in common? If so, here are some 4-letter anagram names for you to check out!

Anagrams are words that contain the same set of letters, but not in the same sequence. For instance, the words “race,” “care,” and “acre” are all anagrams of one another.

Anagram names can be a neat option for siblings — particularly multiples (like twins and triplets). They’re also a clever way to connect a baby name to the name of an older relative (e.g., grandpa Gary, grandson Gray).

Below are hundreds of four-letter names (collected from the SSA’s huge database of U.S. baby names) that happen to be anagrams of other names.

Four-letter anagram names

  • Adir, Adri, Ardi, Dair, Dari, Diar, Dira, Dria, Riad, Rida
  • Anir, Anri, Arin, Iran, Nari, Nira, Rain, Rani, Rian, Rina
  • Aris, Asir, Isra, Rais, Rias, Risa, Sair, Sari, Siar, Sira
  • Asim, Asmi, Isam, Isma, Mais, Misa, Saim, Sami, Siam, Sima
  • Alen, Anel, Elan, Elna, Lane, Lean, Lena, Neal, Nela
  • Alin, Anil, Ilan, Lain, Lani, Lian, Lina, Nali, Nila
  • Amin, Iman, Mani, Mian, Mina, Naim, Nami, Niam, Nima
  • Anvi, Avin, Avni, Ivan, Navi, Niva, Vani, Vian, Vina
  • Adin, Andi, Dain, Dani, Dian, Dina, Idan, Nida
  • Ahri, Hari, Hira, Irah, Irha, Rahi, Rhia, Riah
  • Amir, Amri, Iram, Irma, Mari, Mira, Rami, Rima
  • Ariv, Arvi, Avir, Avri, Ivar, Ravi, Riva, Vira
  • Arno, Aron, Noar, Nora, Oran, Orna, Roan, Rona
  • Emir, Emri, Imer, Imre, Irem, Meir, Meri, Remi
  • Eron, Nero, Nore, Oren, Reno, Reon, Roen, Rone
  • Aden, Dane, Dean, Dena, Edan, Edna, Neda
  • Aina, Anai, Ania, Iaan, Iana, Naia, Niaa
  • Akil, Alik, Ikal, Ilka, Kail, Kali, Kila
  • Akim, Kami, Kiam, Maik, Maki, Mika, Mkai
  • Akin, Anik, Kain, Kani, Kian, Kina, Nika
  • Alek, Elka, Kael, Kale, Kela, Klea, Lake
  • Alem, Amel, Elam, Elma, Leam, Mael, Mela
  • Alim, Amil, Ilma, Liam, Lima, Mali, Mila
  • Alis, Asil, Asli, Ilsa, Isla, Lisa, Sila
  • Alun, Lanu, Luan, Luna, Nalu, Nula, Ulan
  • Alyn, Lany, Layn, Lyan, Lyna, Nyla, Ylan
  • Anis, Isan, Nasi, Nisa, Sani, Sian, Sina
  • Ariz, Azir, Izra, Razi, Zair, Zari, Zira
  • Elon, Leno, Leon, Noel, Nole, Olen, Onel
  • Iron, Noir, Nori, Onir, Orin, Rion, Roni
  • Aari, Aira, Arai, Aria, Iara, Raia
  • Acel, Alec, Cael, Cale, Clea, Lace
  • Adel, Dael, Dale, Dela, Elda, Leda
  • Ahil, Hali, Hila, Ihla, Ilha, Liah
  • Aily, Ilay, Ilya, Iyla, Liya, Yali
  • Ajan, Ajna, Anja, Jaan, Jana, Naja
  • Alex, Axel, Axle, Lexa, Xael, Xela
  • Amen, Eman, Enma, Mane, Mena, Nema
  • Amor, Amro, Maor, Mora, Omar, Roma
  • Anni, Iann, Inna, Nain, Nani, Nina
  • Anze, Azen, Enza, Ezan, Zane, Zena
  • Ayin, Iyan, Niya, Nyia, Yani, Yian
  • Azel, Elza, Zael, Zale, Zeal, Zela
  • Ekin, Enki, Kein, Keni, Kien, Nike
  • Erik, Iker, Keir, Keri, Kier, Kire
  • Izan, Izna, Zain, Zani, Zian, Zina
  • Kior, Kiro, Kori, Kroi, Orik, Riko
  • Abel, Able, Bela, Elba, Leba
  • Abir, Abri, Arib, Bair, Bria
  • Adil, Dali, Ilda, Ladi, Lida
  • Aeri, Aire, Arie, Eira, Reia
  • Ahmi, Haim, Mahi, Mhia, Miah
  • Ahni, Hani, Hina, Ihan, Niah
  • Aima, Amai, Amia, Maia, Miaa
  • Alam, Alma, Amal, Lama, Mala
  • Alay, Alya, Ayal, Ayla, Laya
  • Alie, Eila, Elai, Elia, Leia
  • Alon, Lona, Naol, Nola, Olan
  • Amar, Amra, Aram, Mara, Rama
  • Amer, Emra, Erma, Mera, Rema
  • Ames, Esma, Mase, Mesa, Sema
  • Amzi, Azim, Izma, Mazi, Zaim
  • Anar, Aran, Arna, Nara, Rana
  • Anay, Anya, Ayan, Naya, Yana
  • Aras, Asar, Asra, Rasa, Sara
  • Arel, Earl, Lera, Rael, Real
  • Aren, Arne, Eran, Nare, Rena
  • Ares, Aser, Esra, Sare, Sera
  • Arif, Fira, Ifra, Rafi, Raif
  • Arlo, Lora, Orla, Ralo, Rola
  • Ayen, Enya, Eyan, Neya, Yena
  • Elim, Emil, Liem, Meli, Miel
  • Elin, Leni, Neil, Neli, Nile
  • Elis, Elsi, Esli, Ilse, Lise
  • Elya, Eyal, Eyla, Leya, Yael
  • Enok, Keno, Keon, Koen, Neko
  • Erin, Iren, Neri, Rein, Reni
  • Eris, Reis, Ries, Rise, Sire
  • Eryn, Nery, Reyn, Ryen, Ryne
  • Imon, Moni, Nimo, Nomi, Omni
  • Irya, Iyra, Riya, Yair, Yari
  • Isak, Kais, Kasi, Kisa, Skai
  • Izak, Kazi, Kiza, Zaki, Zkai
  • Lino, Lion, Loni, Nilo, Olin
  • Nyza, Yazn, Zayn, Zyan, Zyna
  • Aadi, Adia, Aida, Daia
  • Acer, Acre, Cera, Race
  • Adan, Adna, Dana, Nada
  • Adar, Arda, Dara, Raad
  • Adem, Amed, Dema, Emad
  • Adja, Daja, Jaad, Jada
  • Adly, Daly, Lady, Lyda
  • Adya, Ayda, Ayad, Daya
  • Adyn, Andy, Aydn, Dany
  • Ahan, Ahna, Anah, Hana
  • Aidy, Diya, Iyad, Yida
  • Aiko, Akio, Aoki, Kaio
  • Aila, Alai, Alia, Laia
  • Aimy, Miya, Myia, Yami
  • Aisa, Asai, Asia, Saia
  • Aiza, Azai, Azia, Zaia
  • Akon, Kano, Kaon, Kona
  • Alia, Alli, Illa, Lila
  • Aliz, Izla, Liza, Zila
  • Aman, Amna, Anam, Mana
  • Amay, Amya, Maya, Yama
  • Amit, Mati, Taim, Tiam
  • Amon, Mona, Noam, Oman
  • Amun, Anum, Manu, Muna
  • Amyr, Mary, Myra, Ramy
  • Anav, Avan, Nava, Vana
  • Ansh, Hans, Nash, Shan
  • Araf, Arfa, Fara, Rafa
  • Arik, Kari, Kira, Rika
  • Aryn, Nyra, Rayn, Ryan
  • Ashe, Esha, Shae, Shea
  • Asma, Masa, Saam, Sama
  • Atem, Mate, Meta, Tema
  • Atli, Liat, Lita, Tali
  • Avel, Elva, Vale, Vela
  • Aven, Evan, Neva, Vena
  • Avid, Davi, Diva, Vida
  • Avik, Kavi, Kiva, Vika
  • Avyn, Navy, Vyan, Yvan
  • Ayon, Noya, Yoan, Yona
  • Azar, Azra, Raza, Zara
  • Baer, Bear, Brea, Reba
  • Bain, Bani, Bina, Iban
  • Caly, Clay, Cyla, Lacy
  • Daer, Drea, Raed, Reda
  • Edin, Deni, Enid, Iden
  • Ehan, Hena, Neah, Neha
  • Eino, Eion, Enio, Ione
  • Elah, Hale, Hela, Leah
  • Elyn, Nely, Nyel, Nyle
  • Emry, Mery, Myer, Remy
  • Erza, Ezra, Reza, Zera
  • Etan, Etna, Nate, Tena
  • Gian, Gina, Inga, Nagi
  • Hays, Shay, Shya, Yash
  • Hera, Reah, Reha, Rhea
  • Inez, Izen, Zein, Zeni
  • Isha, Shai, Shia, Siah
  • Jani, Jian, Jina, Naji
  • Kaly, Kayl, Klay, Kyla
  • Kory, Kroy, Kyro, York
  • Miro, Omir, Omri, Romi
  • Nita, Tani, Tian, Tina
  • Riot, Rito, Tori, Troi
  • Aban, Bana, Naba
  • Adis, Sadi, Said
  • Afsa, Asaf, Safa
  • Aime, Amei, Amie
  • Aine, Eian, Neia
  • Aino, Ioan, Iona
  • Aiva, Avia, Vaia
  • Aker, Arek, Kera
  • Akya, Ayak, Kaya
  • Alan, Lana, Nala
  • Albi, Bali, Liba
  • Aloe, Eloa, Olea
  • Alva, Lava, Vala
  • Alys, Asly, Syla
  • Alyx, Axyl, Xyla
  • Amaj, Jama, Maja
  • Ange, Egan, Gena
  • Anka, Kaan, Kana
  • Anan, Anna, Nana
  • Anas, Asan, Sana
  • Angy, Gyan, Yang
  • Anne, Enna, Nena
  • Anny, Nyna, Yann
  • Anuj, Juan, Juna
  • Anza, Azan, Zana
  • Areg, Grae, Rage
  • Aric, Cari, Cira
  • Arly, Lyra, Ryla
  • Aros, Rosa, Sora
  • Arpi, Pari, Pria
  • Arun, Nura, Runa
  • Arye, Raye, Reya
  • Asif, Safi, Saif
  • Asya, Aysa, Saya
  • Atom, Mato, Toma
  • Atzi, Itza, Zita
  • Aury, Ruya, Yura
  • Avey, Veya, Yeva
  • Avya, Ayva, Vaya
  • Axen, Xane, Xena
  • Ayaz, Ayza, Zaya
  • Azon, Ozan, Zona
  • Azul, Zaul, Zula
  • Cami, Maci, Mica
  • Ciro, Cori, Rico
  • Cleo, Cloe, Cole
  • Dave, Deva, Veda
  • Dezi, Ediz, Zeid
  • Dima, Imad, Madi
  • Dino, Dion, Odin
  • East, Esta, Tesa
  • Elen, Leen, Neel
  • Elek, Elke, Klee
  • Elio, Loie, Olie
  • Elky, Kely, Kyle
  • Ella, Lael, Lela
  • Elli, Liel, Lile
  • Elsa, Sael, Sela
  • Elta, Leta, Teal
  • Emre, Meer, Reem
  • Emya, Maye, Meya
  • Enas, Sean, Sena
  • Enos, Enso, Eson
  • Envi, Evin, Iven
  • Enzo, Zeno, Zeon
  • Eren, Neer, Rene
  • Erum, Meru, Umer
  • Erys, Ryse, Syre
  • Even, Neev, Neve
  • Ezio, Zoei, Zoie
  • Ezri, Zier, Zire
  • Gail, Gali, Gila
  • Ghia, Giah, Haig
  • Haji, Jahi, Jiah
  • Hiro, Iroh, Rohi
  • Imir, Imri, Miri
  • Iqra, Qari, Qira
  • Isom, Mosi, Somi
  • Izek, Zeik, Zeki
  • Jami, Maji, Mija
  • Jane, Jean, Jena
  • Jino, Jion, Joni
  • Kadi, Kaid, Kida
  • Kane, Kean, Kena
  • Kary, Kyra, Ryka
  • Kilo, Liko, Loki
  • Kino, Kion, Niko
  • Kleo, Kloe, Kole
  • Kmya, Kyam, Myka
  • Lavi, Vail, Vali
  • Leor, Lore, Roel
  • Lior, Lori, Orli
  • Lory, Orly, Rylo
  • Maev, Mave, Meva
  • Moti, Timo, Tomi
  • Omer, Remo, Rome
  • Oryn, Rony, Ryon
  • Sita, Tasi, Tisa
  • Tera, Trae, Trea
  • Thai, Thia, Tiah
  • Tino, Tion, Toni
  • Tory, Troy, Ryot
  • Xain, Xian, Xina
  • Ynez, Zeyn, Zyen
  • Aaro, Roaa
  • Abem, Meba
  • Abhi, Hiba
  • Acai, Caia
  • Acen, Cane
  • Acyn, Cyan
  • Adae, Adea
  • Adah, Ahad
  • Adam, Amad
  • Adau, Duaa
  • Aela, Alea
  • Aera, Raea
  • Aeva, Avea
  • Aide, Deia
  • Aika, Akia
  • Aimi, Miia
  • Aivy, Viya
  • Aixa, Xaia
  • Ajah, Haja
  • Ajai, Jaia
  • Ajit, Taji
  • Ajla, Jala
  • Ajay, Jaya
  • Akai, Kaia
  • Alix, Axil
  • Ally, Lyla
  • Aloy, Loay
  • Alta, Tala
  • Amos, Soma
  • Arav, Vara
  • Arha, Raha
  • Ario, Oria
  • Arka, Kara
  • Arla, Lara
  • Arli, Lira
  • Arth, Hart
  • Aryo, Roya
  • Arys, Syra
  • Arzu, Uraz
  • Ason, Sona
  • Atif, Tifa
  • Audy, Uday
  • Avah, Hava
  • Avee, Eeva
  • Avie, Evia
  • Avis, Savi
  • Aviv, Viva
  • Avon, Nova
  • Ayah, Haya
  • Ayat, Taya
  • Ayse, Eyas
  • Azad, Zada
  • Azal, Zala
  • Azam, Maaz
  • Aziz, Izza
  • Badr, Brad
  • Bane, Bena
  • Beni, Ebin
  • Bert, Bret
  • Bode, Obed
  • Boen, Ebon
  • Bray, Brya
  • Bree, Eber
  • Bruk, Burk
  • Cade, Dace
  • Cadi, Caid
  • Cain, Cian
  • Cali, Laci
  • Cary, Cyra
  • Cash, Chas
  • Chaz, Zach
  • Cire, Eric
  • Coen, Enoc
  • Clio, Loic
  • Dade, Edda
  • Dash, Shad
  • Dava, Vada
  • Deen, Eden
  • Deja, Jade
  • Deka, Kade
  • Demi, Diem
  • Deon, Oden
  • Dewa, Wade
  • Deya, Eyad
  • Dior, Dori
  • Dory, Rody
  • Duha, Huda
  • Eder, Reed
  • Edyn, Endy
  • Egon, Geno
  • Ehab, Heba
  • Eisa, Esai
  • Eiza, Ezai
  • Ekam, Meka
  • Eker, Kree
  • Elea, Leea
  • Elif, Leif
  • Elih, Lehi
  • Eliz, Izel
  • Elly, Lyle
  • Elom, Melo
  • Eloy, Yoel
  • Elvy, Levy
  • Emet, Mete
  • Emit, Temi
  • Emma, Mame
  • Enis, Ines
  • Envy, Evyn
  • Eros, Rose
  • Eryk, Kyre
  • Esmi, Siem
  • Etai, Teia
  • Etta, Tate
  • Ever, Veer
  • Evie, Ivee
  • Evon, Nevo
  • Faya, Yafa
  • Faiz, Fiza
  • Flor, Rolf
  • Gael, Gale
  • Galo, Olga
  • Gema, Mega
  • Gary, Gray
  • Halo, Loah
  • Hank, Khan
  • Haru, Ruah
  • Hedy, Hyde
  • Heir, Heri
  • Hiya, Iyah
  • Iain, Niia
  • Icon, Nico
  • Igor, Rigo
  • Iris, Siri
  • Irys, Syir
  • Itay, Tiya
  • Iver, Revi
  • Ives, Sevi
  • Ivey, Yvie
  • Ivin, Nivi
  • Ivon, Novi
  • Jady, Jayd
  • Jair, Jari
  • Jake, Kaje
  • Jara, Raja
  • Jasa, Saja
  • Jase, Saje
  • Jasi, Jsai
  • Jiro, Jori
  • Joan, Jona
  • Joas, Ojas
  • Joey, Joye
  • Kado, Koda
  • Kady, Kayd
  • Kalo, Koal
  • Kaos, Oaks
  • Karl, Lark
  • Kate, Teak
  • Kato, Kota
  • Kaye, Keya
  • Kayn, Kyan
  • Kayo, Koya
  • Kaze, Keza
  • Kemi, Mike
  • Keny, Kyne
  • Kiel, Kile
  • Kiko, Koki
  • Kimi, Miki
  • Kimo, Miko
  • Kiri, Riki
  • Kyon, Nyko
  • Lalo, Lola
  • Levi, Liev
  • Lilo, Olli
  • Liyu, Yuli
  • Lois, Soli
  • Loza, Zola
  • Lula, Ulla
  • Luma, Malu
  • Lura, Raul
  • Lyam, Myla
  • Lyon, Nylo
  • Lyza, Zyla
  • Macy, Myca
  • Maru, Umar
  • Maty, Taym
  • Mays, Samy
  • Maze, Zema
  • Mely, Myel
  • Miyu, Yumi
  • Mory, Romy
  • Nafi, Naif
  • Nino, Noni
  • Noah, Noha
  • Nona, Onna
  • Nour, Onur
  • Nyir, Ryin
  • Onix, Xion
  • Onyx, Xyon
  • Opal, Pola
  • Orry, Rory
  • Osha, Soha
  • Oslo, Solo
  • Pars, Sarp
  • Prue, Pure
  • Reva, Vera
  • Roah, Roha
  • Roza, Zora
  • Ryel, Ryle
  • Ryze, Zyer
  • Saed, Sade
  • Saul, Sula
  • Seva, Svea
  • Sevy, Yves
  • Sota, Taos
  • Taro, Tora
  • Tavi, Vita
  • Teah, Thea
  • Tony, Tyon
  • Tovi, Vito
  • Trey, Tyre
  • Vyla, Ylva
  • Wali, Wila
  • Xayn, Xyan
  • Yuan, Yuna
  • Zaid, Ziad
  • Zavi, Ziva
  • Zayd, Zyad
  • Zoah, Zoha

Which pairing/group do you like best? Let me know in the comments!

To see anagram names of other lengths, check out these lists of 3-letter anagram names, 5-letter anagram names, 6-letter anagram names, 7-letter anagram names, and 8-letter anagram names.

[Latest update: April 2023]

Popular baby names on the Isle of Man, 2007

Flag of the Isle of Man
Flag of the Isle of Man

According to the Manx General Registry, there were 918 births on the Isle of Man last year (down from 931 in 2006). Here were the most popular baby names…

Girl names

  1. Sophie, Sofie & Sofia
  2. Jessica
  3. Lily & Lillie
  4. Emily
  5. Katie & Kate
  6. Ruby
  7. Ellie & Ellen
  8. Grace
  9. Hannah & Hanna
  10. Abigail
  11. Amy
  12. Chloe

Boy names

  1. Jack
  2. Thomas
  3. Charles & Charlie
  4. Daniel
  5. Matthew
  6. Benjamin, Ben & Benedict
  7. Harry & Harold
  8. Alex & Alexander
  9. William
  10. Joseph
  11. Oliver
  12. Ryan

I find it odd that Benedict was lumped with Benjamin. They might sound similar and share the nickname “Ben,” but the two names have totally different origins: Benjamin is derived from a Hebrew name meaning either “son of the right hand” or “son of the south,” while Benedict comes from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning “blessed.”

Source: Island’s favourite baby names for 2007

Image: Adapted from Flag of the Isle of Man (public domain)

One-syllable girl names: Kate, Sage, Wren, Maeve

single tree

Looking for a girl name that’s short and to-the-point? Something that might work particularly well as a middle name?

Check out this list of several hundred one-syllable girl names:

  • Anne/Ann, Ash/Ashe, Ayn
  • Banks/Banx, Bar, Bea, Belle/Bell, Bess, Beth, Bjork, Blair/Blaire, Blaise/Blaze/Blayze/Blaize, Blake/Blayke, Blanche, Bless, Blessed, Bliss/Blyss, Bloom, Blue/Blu, Blythe, Brave, Bray, Breck, Bree/Brie, Breeze/Brees, Brett, Bright, Britt, Bronx, Bronze, Brooke/Brook, Bryce/Brice, Brynn/Bryn/Brynne/Brin/Brinn, Burke
  • Cache, Cass, Cate/Cait, Chance, Charm, Chase, Chen, Cher, Chris, Claire/Clare/Clair, Clark/Clarke, Cloud, Clove, Coast, Cove, Cree, Cruz
  • Dale, Dare, Dash, Dawn, Deah, Dee, Deem, Del/Dell, Doll, Dor, Dove, Dream, Drew/Dru
  • Earth, Elle, Eve
  • Fair/Fayre, Faith/Fayth, Fawn/Faun, Fate, Faye/Fay/Fae, Fern/Ferne, Flame, Fleur, Flor, Flynn, Fran
  • Gail/Gayle/Gale, Gal, Gay/Gaye, Gem, Gift, Gold, Grace/Grayce, Gray/Grey, Greer, Gwen, Gwyn/Gwynn/Gwynne
  • Hayes/Haze, Hayle, Heart/Hart, Hope
  • Jace/Jayce, Jade/Jayde/Jaide, Jan, Jane/Jayne, Jaye/Jae, Jazz/Jaz, Jean/Jeanne, Jem, Jen/Jenn, Jess, Jett, Jewel, Jill, Jin/Jyn, Jo, Joan, Joss, Joy/Joye/Joi/Joie, Joyce, Jude, Jules, June, Jung
  • Kai, Kate/Kayte/Kaite, Kay/Kaye/Kae, Kayce, Kayde, Kim, Klaire/Klare/Klair, Klark/Klarke, Kree, Kris, Kyle
  • Lace, Laine/Lane/Layne, Lake, Lark, Leigh/Lee, Light, Liv, Liz, Love, Lux, Luce, Luz, Lynn/Lynne/Lyn/Lin
  • Mae/May, Madge, Maeve/Maebh/Mave, Mai, March, Marge/Marj, Maude/Maud, Maze/Maize/Mayze, Mills, Mirth, Moon
  • Nash, Naz, Nelle/Nell, Neve/Niamh, Nile, Noire/Noir, Noor/Nour, North
  • Paige/Payge/Page, Pam, Pax, Paz, Peace, Peach, Pearl/Perl, Plum, Praise, Prayer, Prim, Psalm, Psalms, Prue, Pure
  • Queen, Quinn
  • Rae/Raye, Rayne/Rain/Raine/Rainn/Reign, Reece/Reese/Rhys, Reem, Reet, Reeve, Rell, Ren, Rise, Rogue, Rome, Rose, Rue, Rune, Rut, Ruth, Ryn/Rin
  • Saint, Sage/Saige/Sayge/Saje, Scout, Shane/Shayne, Shea/Shae/Shay/Shaye, Shine, Silk, Shir, Skye/Sky, Sloane/Sloan, Snow, Sol, Soul, Star/Starr, Storm, Sue/Sioux, Swan, Sway
  • Tai, Taj, Tate, Teal, Tess, Thyme, Tris, Trish, True/Tru, Trust, Truth, Tyne
  • Vail/Vale, Val, Vaughn
  • Wing, Wren/Wrenn, Wryn, Wynn/Wynne/Winn
  • Yaz, Yen
  • Zane/Zain/Zayne, Zeal, Zell, Zen

Please note that I did include names in the gray area between one syllable and two syllables. The deciding factor on these particular names will be your own interpretation/accent, so be sure to test the names out loud before making any final decisions. (“Hayle,” for instance — would you say it like Hale, or like Hailey? Or “Rise” — is it rize, or ree-sah?)

Many of these names also happen to be unisex, so they appear on the one-syllable boy names list as well.

What’s your favorite one-syllable girl name?

Image: Adapted from 1 Drvo 06241 by Olja Simovic under CC BY-SA 4.0.

[Latest update: July 2023]

Where did the baby name Bobbiejo come from in 1964?

The character Bobbie Jo Bradley from the TV series "Petticoat Junction" (1963-1970)
Bobbie Jo Bradley from “Petticoat Junction

The folksy-sounding girl name Bobbiejo didn’t start popping up in the U.S. baby name until the middle of the 1960s:

  • 1966: 11 baby girls named Bobbiejo
  • 1965: 8 baby girls named Bobbiejo
  • 1964: 7 baby girls named Bobbiejo [debut]
  • 1963: unlisted
  • 1962: unlisted

What put it there?

Television! The sitcom Petticoat Junction, which aired on CBS from 1963 to 1970, featured a trio of teenage sisters with similar nicknames:

  • Wilhelmina Josephine, “Billie Jo”
  • Roberta Josephine, “Bobbie Jo”
  • Elizabeth Josephine, “Betty Jo”

The main character was their widowed mother, Kathryn “Kate” Bradley, proprietor of the Shady Rest Hotel (located near the fictional farming community of Hooterville).

The role of middle daughter Bobbie Jo was played by actress Pat Woodell for the first two years, then by actress Lori Saunders for the rest of the show’s run.

The series also gave a boost to the baby names Betty Jo and Billie Jo in the 1960s. And when Betty Jo had a baby girl named Kathy Jo in a later season, that name got a boost as well.

The name Bobbie Jo went on to see peak usage in 1976, possibly thanks to the movie Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (which starred Lynda Carter and Marjoe Gortner).

Which of the three “Jo” names do you like best: Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, or Betty Jo?

Sources:

  • Petticoat Junction – Wikipedia
  • Terrace, Vincent. The Television Treasury: Onscreen Details from Sitcoms, Dramas and Other Scripted Series, 1947-2019. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2020.
  • SSA

Image: Screenshot of Petticoat Junction