Kathleen
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What does the baby name Kathleen mean? Learn about what Kathleen means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Kathleen - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Kathleen
- K-A-T-H-L-E-E-N, is a 8-letter female given name.
- Pronunciation of Kathleen
- kath LEEN
- Meaning of Kathleen
- Pure, chaste, virginal.
- Origin of Kathleen
- The name 'Kathleen' is a female name with Irish roots, meaning 'pure' or 'innocent'. It is a variant of the name Catherine, which has a rich history and is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine. In terms of its origin, 'Kathleen' can be traced back to the early 20th century, gaining popularity in Ireland and the United States.
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- Celtic Names
- English Names
- Gaelic Names
- Greek Names
- Irish Names
- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Kathleen
- Caitlin
- Caitrine
- Caitrionia
- Caryn
- Cass
- Cassie
- Catalina
- Caterina
- Catherine
- Cathleen
- Cathy
- Catout
- Catrionagh
- Catuja
- Cawth
- Ekaterina
- Kaatja
- Kait
- Kajsa
- Karan
- Karen
- Kasen
- Kasja
- Kaska
- Katalin
- Katarzyna
- Katchen
- Kate
- Kateke
- Katerina
- Katherine
- Kathrinna
- Kathy
- Katica
- Katja
- Katka
- Katla
- Katlaina
- Katreen
- Katri
- Katrien
- Katrin
- Katrina
- Katy
- Katya
- Kay
- Kayla
- Kerry
- Kitty
- Kotinka
- Kotrina
- Rina
- Treinel
- Trina
- Trinchen
- Trine
- Trinette
- Yekaterina
- Ykaterina
- Popularity of Kathleen
- 'Kathleen' experienced a notable spike in popularity during the mid-20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, it ranked among the top 20 most popular names for girls in the United States. This surge in usage can be attributed to the influence of the Catholic Church, as Catherine is the name of a prominent saint. Over time, the popularity of 'Kathleen' has declined, but it still remains a recognizable and beloved name.
- Kathleen currently has 434 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Joanna is slightly more popular than Kathleen.
Etymology of Kathleen
The name 'Kathleen' has its linguistic roots in the Greek name Aikaterine, which means 'pure' or 'unsullied'. This name was later adapted into the Latin form Catarina and eventually evolved into the Old French form Catherine. From there, it spread throughout Europe and gained variations in different languages. The Irish variant of Catherine is Caitlín, which eventually gave rise to the name 'Kathleen'.
Cultural Significance of Kathleen
In Irish culture, the name 'Kathleen' holds particular significance. It is often associated with strong, independent women who embody the spirit of Ireland. 'Kathleen' Ni Houlihan, a mythical figure in Irish folklore, represents the nation itself and symbolizes Irish nationalism and resistance against oppression. The name 'Kathleen', therefore, carries a sense of pride and heritage for those with Irish roots.