Kathleen
Pure — a girl name of Irish origin
Popularity of Kathleen in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Kathleen
Kathleen is the anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlin, which itself descends from Katherine through Old French Cateline and ultimately the Greek Aikaterine, meaning "pure." It became one of the most popular Irish-American names of the twentieth century, closely associated with Irish heritage and Catholic naming traditions. Kathleen enjoyed particular popularity in the United States from the 1930s through the 1960s and retains a warm, classic charm.
Kathleen Around the World
Kathleen is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Kathleen
Famous People Named Kathleen
- Kathleen Turner — American actress
- Kathleen Kennedy — American film producer and president of Lucasfilm
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kathleen
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kathleen mean?
Kathleen is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Pure." Kathleen is the anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlin, which itself descends from Katherine through Old French Cateline and ultimately the Greek Aikaterine, meaning "pure." It became one of the most popular Irish-American names of the twentieth century, closely associated with Irish heritage and Catholic naming traditions.
How do you pronounce Kathleen?
Kathleen is pronounced KATH-leen. Common variations include Cathleen, Kathaleen, Kathlene.
Is Kathleen a girl name?
Yes, Kathleen is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kathy, Kate, Kat, Katie.
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