Kathryn feels almost (aaaalmost) refreshingly retro after the widespread popularity of
Kaitlyn and
Katherine. There's something clumsily endearing about
Kathryn, in the same vein as
Jayne or
Bettye. It feels more approachable and human than Katherine/Catherine/Katharine.
I know some Kathryns that are around my age and a bit younger (so early 40s, mid-late 30s). It's possible that I know older Kathryns but they all go by
Kathy. The name
Kathryn makes me think of the 1960s, 70s, and 90s.
Kat feels like a particularly fitting nickname for a
Kathryn. There is something sharp and fashionably no-nonsense about
Kathryn, and
Kate,
Katie,
Kathy and
Kitty don't fit that vibe.
Kat does.