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Käthe is a German diminutive of Katharina, itself derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated but commonly associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. The name became widely used in German-speaking countries as an affectionate short form, much as Kate and Katie function in English contexts. It is closely associated with the celebrated German Expressionist artist Käthe Kollwitz, whose work gave the name particular cultural resonance in the early twentieth century. Related forms include Katja, Katrin, and the anglicized Katherine.