The nameKathleen
Kathleen is the Irish form of Katherine. It was a top 10 American name around 1950.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Kathleen comes from the Irish Caitlín, a form of Katherine, often linked to the Greek katharos, "pure".
Origin
Greek, through Irish.
History
Kathleen spread with Irish emigration. In the United States it was in the top 10 from 1948 to 1951, reaching 9th place.
Did you know?
- The producer Kathleen Kennedy became head of Lucasfilm in 2012, when George Lucas sold his company to Disney.
Famous people named Kathleen
- Kathleen Kennedy, film producer
- Kathleen Turner, actress
- Kathleen Ferrier, contralto
Popularity of the name Kathleen
Kathleen in the United States
Kathleen was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 224,735 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Kathleen. Its rise began around 1920, and it peaked in 1951. Half of all babies named Kathleen in the United States were born before 1954, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 242 births a year on average, against 316 in the five years before.
Kathleen in the United Kingdom
Kathleen was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 951 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Kathleen. Half of all babies named Kathleen in the United Kingdom were born before 2005, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 39 births a year on average, against 50 in the five years before.
Kathleen in Ireland
Kathleen in France
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Kathleen
Names from the same generation as Kathleen, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Kathleen? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Kathleen with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Kathleen side by side with the name of your choice.
Kathleen in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kathleen mean?
Kathleen comes from the Irish Caitlín, a form of Katherine, often linked to the Greek katharos, "pure".
What is the origin of the name Kathleen?
Greek, through Irish.
Is Kathleen a girl's or a boy's name?
Kathleen is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Kathleen?
In 2024, Kathleen was the 1109th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 220 births.
What are the variants of the name Kathleen?
Variants and related names of Kathleen include Catherine and Katherine.
What are good sibling names for Kathleen?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Cynthia, Tiffany, Sandra and Cassie for a sister, Marc, Dustin, Steve and Gregory for a brother.
Who are famous people named Kathleen?
Kathleen Kennedy, film producer; Kathleen Turner, actress; Kathleen Ferrier, contralto.