What does Kathleen mean and where does it come from?
Kathleen is an anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, which in turn is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine (Catherine), both meaning 'pure'. The name became especially popular in Ireland and was later adopted in the United States. Kathleen has been used widely since the 19th century and was p
Cultural significance
Kathleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #9 in 1949 — currently #1156 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kathleen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Kathleen right now?
Falling — down 56 spots — currently #1156 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1156 | 201 | ▼ down 56 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #1100 | 223 | ▼ down 560 · -87% births |
| 2023 | #540 | 1,660 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #545 | 1,640 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #550 | 1,610 | ▲ up 457 · +547% births |
| 2020 | #1007 | 249 | ▼ down 184 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #823 | 340 | ▼ down 228 · -31% births |
| 2010 | #595 | 494 | ▼ down 256 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #339 | 933 | ▼ down 135 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #204 | 1,584 | ▼ down 65 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #139 | 2,282 | ▼ down 47 · -38% births |
| 1990 | #92 | 3,673 | ▼ down 24 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #68 | 4,087 | ▲ up 14 · +6% births |
| 1980 | #82 | 3,857 | ▼ down 2 · +9% births |
| 1975 | #80 | 3,542 | — |
The story of Kathleen
Kathleen has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #9 in 1949, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 714K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Kathleen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kathleen in 1949:
Kathleen by decade
Kathleen peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 389 | |
| 1890s | 1,942 | |
| 1900s | 3,924 | |
| 1910s | 16,606 | |
| 1920s | 33,678 | |
| 1930s | 34,709 | |
| 1940s | 153,338 | |
| 1950s ★ | 224,714 | |
| 1960s | 121,250 | |
| 1970s | 45,022 | |
| 1980s | 39,583 | |
| 1990s | 24,866 | |
| 2000s | 10,062 | |
| 2010s | 3,797 | |
| 2020s | 673 | |
What are good nicknames for Kathleen?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
How is Kathleen written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kathleen?
Common questions about the name Kathleen
What does the name Kathleen mean?
Kathleen 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 Kathleen?
Kathleen is currently ranked #540 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 Kathleen?
Kathleen 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.
How do you pronounce the name Kathleen?
Kathleen is a two-syllable name pronounced kathl-EEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kathleen more of a girl or boy name?
Kathleen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.