Cathaleen

“Pure; a variation of Caitlin or Kathleen.”

Irish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#742US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

323All-time births

📅 Since 191700

How to pronounce Cathaleen

KATH·AY·LEN

/ˈkæth.ˈeɪ.ˈlɛn/ · stress on KATH · 3 syllables

“Pure; a variation of Caitlin or Kathleen.”

Irish origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Cathaleen right now?

Holding steady — currently #742 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#742 · Top 0.55%

1925

1930

1940

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cathaleen

Best Year2023Rank #742

Peak Count1,458

Average Rank#4559

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1925 - 202312 years

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:

Linda Mary Patricia Deborah Barbara

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?

Common

CatCaAleen

Famous people named Cathaleen

Cathaleen (traditional Irish musician)

Cathaleen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

Cathaleen (Celtic chieftain)

Cathaleen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

Cathaleen (Irish saint)

Cathaleen helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Cathaleen?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cathaleen also consider these

American · A diminutive of

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.