Kit

/KIT/

English

Kit is an English baby name pronounced /KIT/. A diminutive form commonly meaning 'carrier of Christ' or 'pure'.

Meaning of Kit

A diminutive form commonly meaning 'carrier of Christ' or 'pure'.

Kit originated in the Middle Ages as a common pet name for Christopher, derived from the Greek 'Christophoros'. It was later adopted as a nickname for Katherine, which stems from the Greek 'katharos', meaning pure. While traditionally a nickname, it has become increasingly used as a standalone given name in the English-speaking world.

Origin
English
Pronunciation
/KIT/

Cultural background

The name is widely used in the United Kingdom and North America, often perceived as having a vintage yet spunky character. It gained renewed visibility in the 21st century due to popular culture and celebrity usage.

Variations & nicknames

  • Christopher
  • Katherine
  • Kitt
  • Kitty
  • Christy
  • Kester

Famous people named Kit

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Kit Harington

    English actor best known for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.

    Film · Modern

  • Christopher 'Kit' Marlowe

    Influential Elizabethan playwright and poet.

    Literature · 16th Century

  • Kit Carson

    American frontiersman and legendary wilderness scout.

    Exploration · 19th Century

  • Kit Kittredge

    Main character of the American Girl doll and book series set in the Great Depression.

    Literature · Modern (Fictional)

  • Kit Connor

    British actor known for his lead role in the series Heartstopper.

    Film · Modern

  • Kit Walker

    The real name of the comic book hero The Phantom.

    Literature · 20th Century (Fictional)

Frequently asked about Kit

Is Kit a boy's name or a girl's name?
Kit is a unisex name, though it is currently more frequently used for boys in the UK and has a long history as a feminine nickname for Katherine.
Is Kit a nickname for Christopher?
Yes, Kit is one of the oldest and most traditional English diminutives for Christopher.
What does the name Kit mean?
Depending on its root, it either means 'bearing Christ' (from Christopher) or 'pure' (from Katherine).

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