What does Kathyleen mean and where does it come from?
Kathyleen is a variant of the name Kathleen, which is of Irish origin. The name Kathleen itself is derived from the Irish name Caitlín, which is a diminutive of the name Catherine. Katherine comes from the Greek 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. The name has been popular in various forms throughout the 20
Cultural significance
Kathyleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #1940 in 1951 — currently #626 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kathyleen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kathyleen?
Kathyleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kathyleen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kathyleen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kathyleen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kathyleen Claire
French influence · crisp
Kathyleen Jane
Literary · strong
Kathyleen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kathyleen right now?
Holding steady — currently #626 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #626 | 1,574 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #631 | 1,554 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #636 | 1,524 | ▲ up 8829 · +25300% births |
| 1985 | #9465 | 6 | ▼ down 1254 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #8211 | 5 | ▼ down 4180 · -55% births |
| 1965 | #4031 | 11 | ▼ down 260 · -8% births |
| 1960 | #3771 | 12 | ▼ down 1256 · -40% births |
| 1955 | #2515 | 20 | ▼ down 30 · +18% births |
| 1950 | #2485 | 17 | ▲ up 2364 · +240% births |
| 1945 | #4849 | 5 | ▼ down 187 |
| 1940 | #4662 | 5 | ▼ down 140 |
| 1935 | #4522 | 5 | ▼ down 1266 · -44% births |
| 1930 | #3256 | 9 | ▲ up 1445 · +50% births |
| 1925 | #4701 | 6 | ▼ down 869 · -25% births |
| 1920 | #3832 | 8 | — |
The story of Kathyleen
Kathyleen entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 541 total births recorded, Kathyleen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3832 in 1920 to #626 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kathyleen in 1951:
Kathyleen by decade
Kathyleen peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s | 56 | |
| 1930s | 38 | |
| 1940s | 107 | |
| 1950s ★ | 176 | |
| 1960s | 100 | |
| 1970s | 26 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Kathyleen has only 541 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kathyleen?
What names sound and feel like Kathyleen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kathyleen also consider these
Common questions about the name Kathyleen
What does the name Kathyleen mean?
Kathyleen 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 Kathyleen?
Kathyleen is currently ranked #626 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 Kathyleen?
Kathyleen 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 Kathyleen?
Kathyleen is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 TH IY0 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 Kathyleen?
Kathyleen 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.