What does Kathlene mean and where does it come from?
Kathlene is a variant of the name Kathleen, which itself is derived from the Irish name Caitlín. The name is popularly used in English-speaking countries and emphasizes purity, perceptibly close to its root name, meaning 'pure' or 'clear'. First recorded in the early 20th century, it has emerged as
Cultural significance
Kathlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #794 in 1950 — currently #764 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kathlene?
Kathlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kathlene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kathlene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kathlene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kathlene Claire
French influence · crisp
Kathlene Jane
Literary · strong
Kathlene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kathlene right now?
Holding steady — currently #764 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #764 | 1,436 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #769 | 1,416 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #774 | 1,386 | ▲ up 11134 · +17225% births |
| 2005 | #11908 | 8 | ▼ down 5060 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #6848 | 15 | ▼ down 1373 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #5475 | 17 | ▼ down 924 · -19% births |
| 1990 | #4551 | 21 | ▼ down 1450 · -28% births |
| 1985 | #3101 | 29 | ▼ down 436 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #2665 | 35 | ▼ down 244 · +6% births |
| 1975 | #2421 | 33 | ▼ down 709 · -39% births |
| 1970 | #1712 | 54 | ▼ down 413 · -23% births |
| 1965 | #1299 | 70 | ▲ up 17 |
| 1960 | #1316 | 70 | ▼ down 200 · -12% births |
| 1955 | #1116 | 80 | ▼ down 322 · -33% births |
| 1950 | #794 | 120 | — |
The story of Kathlene
Kathlene entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 3,499 total births recorded, Kathlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2873 in 1915 to #764 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kathlene in 1950:
Kathlene by decade
Kathlene peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 59 | |
| 1920s | 130 | |
| 1930s | 179 | |
| 1940s | 490 | |
| 1950s ★ | 876 | |
| 1960s | 740 | |
| 1970s | 427 | |
| 1980s | 315 | |
| 1990s | 197 | |
| 2000s | 78 | |
| 2010s | 8 | |
💎With 3,499 total births, Kathlene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kathlene?
What names sound and feel like Kathlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kathlene also consider these
Common questions about the name Kathlene
What does the name Kathlene mean?
Kathlene 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 Kathlene?
Kathlene is currently ranked #764 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 Kathlene?
Kathlene 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.
What sibling names go well with Kathlene?
Kathlene 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.
What are good nicknames for Kathlene?
Kathlene naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.