What does Cathlena mean and where does it come from?
Cathlena is a variant of the name Kathleen, which has its roots in the Irish name 'Caitlín' and in the Latin 'Catalina.' The name means 'pure' or 'clear,' reflecting a sense of purity or clarity. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and is popular in various cultures, particularly in Ireland. No
Cultural significance
Cathlena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #8455 in 1969 — currently #1385 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cathlena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cathlena?
Cathlena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cathlena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cathlena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cathlena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cathlena Claire
French influence · crisp
Cathlena Jane
Literary · strong
Cathlena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cathlena right now?
Holding steady — currently #1385 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1385 | 815 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1390 | 795 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1395 | 765 | ▲ up 9978 · +15200% births |
| 1985 | #11373 | 5 | — |
The story of Cathlena
Cathlena is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 10 total births recorded, Cathlena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11373 in 1985 to #1385 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cathlena in 1969:
💎Cathlena has only 10 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cathlena?
Famous people named Cathlena
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Cathlena (traditional Irish musician)
Cathlena passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Cathlena (Irish saint)
Cathlena helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
C(
Cathlena (Irish poet or writer)
Cathlena used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Cathlena (Irish revolutionary)
Cathlena carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cathlena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cathlena also consider these
Common questions about the name Cathlena
What does the name Cathlena mean?
Cathlena means "pure" — 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 Cathlena?
Cathlena is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Cathlena?
Cathlena 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 Cathlena?
Cathlena is a 5-syllable name pronounced K AA1 T IY1 EY1 CH L IY1 N AH0. 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 Cathlena?
Cathlena 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.