What does Kathleene mean and where does it come from?
Kathleene is a variant of Katherine, which has Greek origins and is derived from the word 'katharos' meaning 'pure.' The name Kathleene is most commonly found in English-speaking countries and gained attention as a unique variation of the traditional Katherine. Famous bearers include Kathleene 'Kate
Cultural significance
Kathleene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #1714 in 1947 — currently #1756 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kathleene?
Kathleene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kathleene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kathleene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kathleene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kathleene Claire
French influence · crisp
Kathleene Jane
Literary · strong
Kathleene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kathleene right now?
Holding steady — currently #1756 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1756 | 444 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1761 | 424 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1766 | 394 | ▲ up 11831 · +7780% births |
| 1995 | #13597 | 5 | ▼ down 6348 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #7249 | 6 | ▼ down 1813 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #5436 | 7 | ▼ down 1660 · -42% births |
| 1960 | #3776 | 12 | ▲ up 1649 · +100% births |
| 1955 | #5425 | 6 | ▼ down 3268 · -71% births |
| 1950 | #2157 | 21 | ▲ up 1116 · +133% births |
| 1945 | #3273 | 9 | ▼ down 402 · -10% births |
| 1935 | #2871 | 10 | ▲ up 2039 · +100% births |
| 1930 | #4910 | 5 | ▼ down 1602 · -50% births |
| 1925 | #3308 | 10 | ▲ up 1434 · +67% births |
| 1920 | #4742 | 6 | ▼ down 547 |
| 1915 | #4195 | 6 | — |
The story of Kathleene
Kathleene entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 523 total births recorded, Kathleene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4195 in 1915 to #1756 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kathleene in 1947:
Kathleene by decade
Kathleene peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 25 | |
| 1920s | 93 | |
| 1930s | 65 | |
| 1940s ★ | 132 | |
| 1950s | 122 | |
| 1960s | 75 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Kathleene has only 523 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kathleene?
What names sound and feel like Kathleene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kathleene also consider these
Common questions about the name Kathleene
What does the name Kathleene mean?
Kathleene means "Pure" — a name rooted in English 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 Kathleene?
Kathleene 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 Kathleene?
Kathleene originates from English tradition. English 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 Kathleene?
Kathleene is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH L IY1 N EY1. 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 Kathleene?
Kathleene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.