Kathleen

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.
American Names
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 433 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Alejandra 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 CaitlĂ­n, 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.