Kathleen vs Eileen

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Kathleen

Girl #1,110 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"pure, virginal"

Origin: Greek katharos via Irish

Irish American British Australian

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Kathleen' rhymes with 'mean'"}

Girl #592 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"bright, shining one"

Origin: Greek via Irish (Eibhlín)

Irish Scottish English American

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Eileen' rhymes with 'mean'"}

Kathleen Rank #1,110

Eileen Rank #592

Eileen is more popular, ranked #592 vs #1110 for Kathleen.

Is Kathleen or Eileen more popular?

Eileen is more popular, ranked #592 compared to Kathleen at #1110 in the United States.

What do Kathleen and Eileen mean?

Kathleen means "pure, virginal" (Greek katharos via Irish origin). Eileen means "bright, shining one" (Greek via Irish (Eibhlín) origin).

Are Kathleen and Eileen boy or girl names?

Kathleen is primarily a girl name. Eileen is primarily a girl name.