What does Cathreen mean and where does it come from?
Cathreen is an Irish variant of Catherine, which is rooted in Latin 'Catharina'. It signifies purity and has strong historical connections to several saints, particularly St. Catherine of Alexandria. The name has been popular in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, advocated by many notable figures
Cultural significance
Cathreen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #5634 in 1925 — currently #745 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cathreen?
Cathreen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cathreen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cathreen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cathreen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cathreen Claire
French influence · crisp
Cathreen Jane
Literary · strong
Cathreen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cathreen right now?
Holding steady — currently #745 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #745 | 1,455 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #750 | 1,435 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #755 | 1,405 | ▲ up 4879 · +28000% births |
| 1925 | #5634 | 5 | — |
The story of Cathreen
Cathreen entered American naming records in 1925 and has been in use for over 99 years. With 15 total births recorded, Cathreen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5634 in 1925 to #745 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cathreen in 1925:
💎Cathreen has only 15 total recorded births since 1925 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cathreen?
Famous people named Cathreen
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Cathreen (traditional Irish musician)
Cathreen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
C(
Cathreen (Irish poet or writer)
Cathreen used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
C(
Cathreen (Irish revolutionary)
Cathreen carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
C(
Cathreen (traditional Irish musician)
Cathreen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cathreen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cathreen also consider these
Common questions about the name Cathreen
What does the name Cathreen mean?
Cathreen means "Irish" — 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 Cathreen?
Cathreen is currently ranked #745 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 Cathreen?
Cathreen 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 Cathreen?
Cathreen is a four-syllable name pronounced K AA1 T IY1 EY1 CH R IY1 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 Cathreen?
Cathreen 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.