The True History Behind the Name “Kit Kat”
Contrary to internet myths suggesting “Kit Kat” stands for “Keep In Touch, Keep Associated Together” or other backronyms, the true history dates back centuries before the chocolate bar was created.
- The 17th-Century Kit-Cat Club: The name originates from a late 17th-century political and literary society in London known as the Kit-Cat Club.
- Christopher Catling: The club met at a tavern owned by a pastry chef named Christopher Catling, who was nicknamed “Kit Cat.”
- Mutton Pies to Chocolates: The chef’s famous mutton pies became known as “Kit-Cats.” In 1911, Rowntree’s of York registered the trademarked names “Kit-Cat” and “Kit Kat.”
- The Modern Wafer Bar: In 1935, Rowntree’s launched “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp,” which was rebranded in 1937 as “Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp.”
Kit Kat History Timeline
| Year | Event / Milestone |
| Late 1600s | The “Kit-Cat Club” forms in London, named after tavern owner Christopher “Kit Cat” Catling. |
| 1911 | Rowntree’s registers the names “Kit-Cat” and “Kit Kat” in York, England. |
| 1935 | Rowntree’s launches the original four-finger chocolate wafer bar as “Chocolate Crisp.” |
| 1937 | The product is officially renamed “Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp.” |
