What does Cathaleen mean and where does it come from?
Cathaleen is an Irish variant of the names Caitlin and Kathleen and shares the meaning 'pure.' The name has roots in Irish mythology and history. It became more popular in the United States in the late 20th century due to Irish-American influences. Notable figures with similar names have contributed
Cultural significance
Cathaleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure; a variation of caitlin or kathleen..
Peak popularity
Reached #2370 in 1951 — currently #742 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cathaleen?
Cathaleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cathaleen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cathaleen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cathaleen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cathaleen Claire
French influence · crisp
Cathaleen Jane
Literary · strong
Cathaleen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cathaleen right now?
Holding steady — currently #742 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #742 | 1,458 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #747 | 1,438 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #752 | 1,408 | ▲ up 9889 · +28060% births |
| 1980 | #10641 | 5 | ▼ down 2380 |
| 1970 | #8261 | 5 | ▼ down 3294 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #4967 | 8 | ▲ up 1683 · +60% births |
| 1960 | #6650 | 5 | ▼ down 3166 · -58% births |
| 1955 | #3484 | 12 | ▼ down 148 · +9% births |
| 1950 | #3336 | 11 | ▲ up 1401 · +120% births |
| 1940 | #4737 | 5 | ▲ up 245 |
| 1930 | #4982 | 5 | ▲ up 421 |
| 1925 | #5403 | 5 | — |
The story of Cathaleen
Cathaleen entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 323 total births recorded, Cathaleen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5403 in 1925 to #742 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cathaleen in 1951:
Cathaleen by decade
Cathaleen peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 13 | |
| 1920s | 17 | |
| 1930s | 21 | |
| 1940s | 52 | |
| 1950s ★ | 140 | |
| 1960s | 59 | |
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Cathaleen has only 323 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cathaleen?
Famous people named Cathaleen
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Cathaleen (traditional Irish musician)
Cathaleen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
C(
Cathaleen (Celtic chieftain)
Cathaleen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
C(
Cathaleen (Irish saint)
Cathaleen helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
C(
Cathaleen (Irish poet or writer)
Cathaleen used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cathaleen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cathaleen also consider these
Common questions about the name Cathaleen
What does the name Cathaleen mean?
Cathaleen means "Pure; a variation of Caitlin or Kathleen." — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cathaleen?
Cathaleen is currently ranked #742 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cathaleen?
Cathaleen originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cathaleen?
Cathaleen is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 T HH EY1 L EH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Cathaleen?
Cathaleen pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.