Kathleen
Pronunciation: [ k-athl-EEN ]
Does Kathleen flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Kathleen
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Kathleen
12 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
Playground Safety
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Kathleen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,075 babies have been named Kathleen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kathleen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #34,091 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #34,091
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kathleen is also used as a girl name, ranked #1110.
View Kathleen as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →Hebrew via Middle English origin
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Ancient Greek origin
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Germanic origin
"all, completely"
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Latin origin
"one of the Vandal people"
#33,942 in US
Arabic alaa origin
"exalted, noble, high"
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Latin origin
"from Laurentum; crowned with laurel"
#34,084 in US
Old English mell origin
"hammer, mallet"
#34,142 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kathleen
Is Kathleen a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Kathleen?
How popular is the name Kathleen?
What are common nicknames for Kathleen?
Is Kathleen a common or rare name?
About the Name Kathleen
Kathleen is a boy name .
Is Kathleen a boy or girl name? Kathleen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #34,091 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,110. Kathleen is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kathleen is currently ranked #34,091 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Kathleen include Kat, Kath, Kathy, Kathie, Kathl, Kathly, Kathlie, Een, Eeny, Eenie, Kay, and Kaie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
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Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis