Kate Parkinson: Hello, my name is Kate Parkinson. It's an easy name and not uncommon. My first name is Katherine. When I was growing up Katherines were very common. I had cousins named Katherine, even my mother was named Katherine. As a child, I was called Katherine, Katherine the third, Katherine Mary, Kath, Kathy, KP, Parky and when I was older a few coworkers called me Kate.

When I was in my late 20s a friend noticed that I had many names, so she asked which I preferred. I'd never thought of it, after some thought, I said Kate. From then on, I told everyone in my life that I'm officially Kate. So I've been Kate for many years now. I like my name.