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 #9581 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cathleen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
One syllable · timeless choice
Cathleen Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cathleen Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Cathleen Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Cathleen Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Cathleen Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Cathleen right now?
Falling — down 1024 spots — currently #9581 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9581 | 10 | ▼ down 1024 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #8557 | 12 | ▼ down 6911 · -98% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 33 | |
What are good nicknames for Cathleen?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
What names sound and feel like Cathleen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cathleen also consider these
How is Cathleen written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cathleen?
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.