Cathay
ka-THAY
Cathay is a girl’s name of Chinese origin, meaning “An old name for China derived from the Khitan people who once ruled northern China. It evokes the imagery of the East.”, and peaked in popularity in 1947.
What Cathay Means
“An old name for China derived from the Khitan people who once ruled northern China. It evokes the imagery of the East.”
The Story of Cathay
An evocative name from the 1940s, Cathay conjures the mystique of ancient trade routes and the distant allure of the East.
Cathay is an old Western name for China, derived from the Khitan people who once ruled northern parts of the country. Its usage as a given name, appearing around 1947, evokes exotic landscapes and a sophisticated connection to Eastern cultures and history.
When you consider Cathay for your daughter, you imagine a child of deep curiosity and adventurous spirit. This name suggests an awareness of the wider world, a sophistication that appreciates mystery and beauty from afar.
Nickname Watch
Kids pick up nicknames whether parents plan for it or not. Make sure you love the short forms too.
AI Features
Unlock Cathay’s Full Story
AI consultant · Sibling matches · Cultural deep-dive · Compatibility scores
🔒 No credit card needed
Numerology
The Builder
Stable, disciplined, and hardworking. Names at 4 convey groundedness and reliability.
Personality Traits
Peak Year
#7 in 1947
Total Births
30
First Recorded
1947
More Names Like Cathay
View allJianna
Chinese
Meaning
Jianna is a modern name, most likely a combination of Jia (Chinese for "beautiful") and Anna (Hebrew for "grace").
Mei
Chinese
Meaning
Mei is a beautiful name with multiple origins, most commonly Chinese, meaning 'beautiful' or 'plum'. It can also be Japanese, meaning 'sprout' or 'bud'.
Mulan
Chinese
Meaning
A Chinese name meaning 'magnolia flower'. It is famously known from the legendary warrior woman Hua Mulan.
Explore related name groups
Save Cathay to your favorites list