Kathaleen

“pure”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1550US 2023

650Births / yr

→Stable

4.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 190200.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Kathaleen

KATH·ul·EEN

/ˈkæθ.əl.ˈiːn/ · stress on KATH · 3 syllables

“pure”

American origin · Girl name

What does Kathaleen mean and where does it come from?

Kathaleen is an Anglicized form of the Irish name 'Caitlín', which is derived from the Latin 'Catharina'. It means 'pure' and has been a popular name in Ireland and among Irish descendants in the United States. The name has various spellings and forms, including Kathleen and Caitlin. Notable persons

Cultural significance

Kathaleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #743 in 1952 — currently #1550 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kathaleen?

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

Kathaleen Grace

How popular is Kathaleen right now?

Holding steady — currently #1550 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1550 · Top 1.1%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1550	650	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1555	630	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1560	600	▲ up 6004 · +5355% births
1995	#7564	11	▲ up 2710 · +57% births
1990	#10274	7	▼ down 3264 · -22% births
1985	#7010	9	▼ down 2645 · -47% births
1980	#4365	17	▼ down 1077 · -19% births
1975	#3288	21	▼ down 1075 · -42% births
1970	#2213	36	▼ down 829 · -44% births
1965	#1384	64	▼ down 176 · -22% births
1960	#1208	82	▼ down 227 · -21% births
1955	#981	104	▼ down 234 · -22% births
1950	#747	133	▲ up 252 · +122% births
1945	#999	60	▲ up 143 · +46% births
1940	#1142	41	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kathaleen

Best Year1950Rank #747

Peak Count650

Average Rank#2519

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202321 years

The story of Kathaleen

Kathaleen entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. With 4,136 total births recorded, Kathaleen remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Kathaleen in 1952:

Linda Mary Patricia Deborah Susan

Kathaleen by decade

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

Decade	Births
1900s	41
1910s	313
1920s	482
1930s	348
1940s	761
1950s ★	1,050
1960s	623
1970s	247
1980s	147
1990s	89
2000s	35

💎With 4,136 total births, Kathaleen is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kathaleen?

Common

KatKaAleen

What names sound and feel like Kathaleen?

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

Irish · Pure; a variation

Athaleen

English · noble

Athleen

American · A variant of

Kayleen

American · slim, fair

Kalleen

American · Irish

Common questions about the name Kathaleen

What does the name Kathaleen mean?

Kathaleen means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Kathaleen?

Kathaleen 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 Kathaleen?

Kathaleen originates from American tradition. American 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 Kathaleen?

Kathaleen is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH AH0 L 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 Kathaleen?

Kathaleen pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.