What does Kathreen mean and where does it come from?
Kathreen is a variant spelling of the name Katherine, which comes from the Greek name Aikaterine (Αικατερίνη). The name Katherine has been associated with purity and innocence due to its etymological roots. The name Kathreen has seen use mostly in English-speaking countries like the United States an
Cultural significance
Kathreen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #3146 in 1950 — currently #1230 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kathreen?
Kathreen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kathreen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kathreen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kathreen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kathreen Claire
French influence · crisp
Kathreen Jane
Literary · strong
Kathreen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kathreen right now?
Holding steady — currently #1230 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1230 | 970 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1235 | 950 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1240 | 920 | ▲ up 11884 · +18300% births |
| 1990 | #13124 | 5 | ▼ down 5469 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #7655 | 8 | ▼ down 1079 · +60% births |
| 1960 | #6576 | 5 | ▼ down 1189 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #5387 | 6 | ▼ down 2241 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #3146 | 12 | ▲ up 679 · +71% births |
| 1945 | #3825 | 7 | ▲ up 789 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #4614 | 5 | ▼ down 742 · -37% births |
| 1925 | #3872 | 8 | ▲ up 784 · +33% births |
| 1920 | #4656 | 6 | — |
The story of Kathreen
Kathreen entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 372 total births recorded, Kathreen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4656 in 1920 to #1230 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kathreen in 1950:
Kathreen by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 20 | |
| 1920s | 33 | |
| 1930s | 16 | |
| 1940s | 62 | |
| 1950s ★ | 80 | |
| 1960s | 46 | |
| 1970s | 23 | |
| 1980s | 53 | |
| 1990s | 33 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
💎Kathreen has only 372 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kathreen?
What names sound and feel like Kathreen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kathreen also consider these
Common questions about the name Kathreen
What does the name Kathreen mean?
Kathreen means "Pure" — 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 Kathreen?
Kathreen 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 Kathreen?
Kathreen 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 Kathreen?
Kathreen is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH R IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kathreen a common or rare name?
Kathreen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.