Not Catherine. Not Cathleen. Not Cathey. Not Cathi. Just plain ole Cathy. That’s my name, Cathy! Growing up I disliked my name TERRIBLY. Maybe, it was because there were too many Cathys. There was at least one or two other Cathys in my classroom every year. Talk about confusing, huh?
According to Think Baby Names, Cathy was most popular in 1960-1969 ranking in the top 100 baby girl names. Cathy is of Creek origin and it is a form of Katherine. In essence, Cathy is a nickname of Catherine. I do like the meaning of my name, though, which means ‘pure’.
Interesting despite Cathy being my name and being born in 1961, I never owned a Chatty Cathy doll.
Mattel manufactured the Chatty Cathy doll from 1959 through 1965. It was the 2nd most popular doll sold to time treasured, collectible Barbie Doll of the 60s. Chatty Cathy retailed for a little under $20.
Funny, Chatty Cathy refers to someone who is especially talkative. This absolutely fits me to a T. As a Cathy, I do love to talk! I can talk to just about anyone without reservation. In grade school, I always got a “C” in conduct because I wouldn’t stop talking during class. I loved talking!
While I was not a huge fan, I do draw a certain parallel relationship with the cartoon character, ‘Cathy’ debuting in the mid-1970s. Cathy Guisewite’s classic comic strip focused on making fun of or playing into the negativity associated with women. Each comic strip featured Cathy’s guilt over food, love, mom, or work. Four life experiences the typical modern woman faced in that era and often still today.
What’s kind of cool is there are songs about Cathy. Take a stroll down memory lane with these tunes!
Cathy has dropped off the popularity chart of the 60s, but it continues to grow popular with me as I no longer dislike my name. In fact, I cannot imagine my name being anything other than it is.
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Try finding a personalized anything with the name “Donnie” on it….lol…
Try finding something personalized with “Caren” on it!!! lol. As a kid though (and now) I LOVE my name. It is unique, creative and I think it suits me.
I was always sad that my name was never featured in any songs. Other than James Taylor’s “Carolina” or something like that. It has the verse “Caren is the silver sun….”
I had the EXACT “Chatty Cathy” doll that you featured here. My brother stole the “chat” from her by pulling out her string…he also took the movement from “Thumbleina” by pulling out her key….(I don’t hold grudges MUCH do I? lol)
My name also means “pure” in Greek…pure what? We won’t go there lol.
To this day when I call somewhere and have to say my name I have to spell it first. But I do love my name!
Hi again Cathy! I know what ya mean about not liking having a popular name when you were a kid. Linda was one of the most popular names when I was a kiddo. (born in 1950)
I had several Linda’s in my classes and so they always used both of my names to identify me. So I though it might be fun for the teachers to call me by my middle name Sue…but they never did!
I don’t mind my name now…and of course it was picked for me by my sweet mother who loved me….so I love that!
And…my name means …beautiful! (Or so I’ve been told!)
Speaking of beautiful…it is beautiful outside today…so I need to get off of this computer and go somewhere!
Have a good day!
Linda Sue!
Try finding a personalized anything with the name “Donnie” on it….lol…