Cathleen

“pure”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1646US 2023

554Births / yr

→Stable

29.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 189600.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Cathleen

kath-leen

/kath-leen/ · · 2 syllables

“pure”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Cathleen mean and where does it come from?

Cathleen is a variation of the name Kathleen. It has Irish origins and reflects the meaning of 'pure.' The name was popularized in the early 20th century, particularly in the U.S. due to immigration and its association with Irish culture. Notable people with this name include Cathleen McGuigan, a pr

Cultural significance

Cathleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.

Peak popularity

Reached #251 in 1956 — currently #1646 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Cathleen?

Cathleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cathleen Grace

How popular is Cathleen right now?

Holding steady — currently #1646 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1646 · Top 1.2%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1646	554	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1651	534	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1656	504	▲ up 7258 · +4482% births
2020	#8914	11	▼ down 2881 · -48% births
2015	#6033	21	▲ up 357 · +5% births
2010	#6390	20	▼ down 2875 · -52% births
2005	#3515	42	▼ down 874 · -25% births
2000	#2641	56	▼ down 721 · -22% births
1995	#1920	72	▼ down 653 · -44% births
1990	#1267	129	▼ down 413 · -32% births
1985	#854	189	▼ down 13 · +2% births
1980	#841	186	▼ down 233 · -29% births
1975	#608	261	▼ down 233 · -59% births
1970	#375	636	▼ down 74 · -28% births
1965	#301	885	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cathleen

Best Year1955Rank #268

Peak Count1,008

Average Rank#1766

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Cathleen

Cathleen has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. A total of 29,877 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1859 in 1900 to #1646 in 2023. Cathleen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cathleen in 1956:

Mary Debra Linda Deborah Susan

Cathleen by decade

Cathleen peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	16
1900s	124
1910s	345
1920s	641
1930s	599
1940s	3,541
1950s ★	9,469
1960s	8,293
1970s	3,461
1980s	1,760
1990s	956
2000s	461
2010s	200
2020s	11

What are good nicknames for Cathleen?

BULGARIAN

Katerina

CROATIAN

InaKataKateKaticaTina

CZECH

Katka

DANISH

CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine

What names sound and feel like Cathleen?

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

Irish · Pure; a variation

American · A variant of

How is Cathleen written in other languages?

Gender variants of Cathleen

Cătălin ROMANIAN Keila ENGLISH Shayla ENGLISH Tayla ENGLISH Ketevan GEORGIAN Keti GEORGIAN Keto GEORGIAN Hekate GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Common questions about the name Cathleen

What does the name Cathleen mean?

Cathleen means "pure" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Cathleen?

Cathleen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Cathleen?

Cathleen originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Cathleen a common or rare name?

Cathleen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Cathleen more of a girl or boy name?

Cathleen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.