Kathleen vs Liam

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Kathleen

Girl #1,110 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pure, virginal"

Origin: Greek katharos via Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish American British Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,110
Total SSA Count
220
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Kathy, Kate, Kat

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

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

Full profile for Kathleen →

Popularity Comparison

Kathleen Rank #1,110
Liam Rank #1

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #1110 for Kathleen.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Kathleen ___

  • Kathleen Anne
  • Kathleen Marie
  • Kathleen Grace
  • Kathleen Rose
  • Kathleen Margaret
  • Kathleen Elizabeth

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kathleen

Bridget Maureen Colleen Patrick Michael

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathleen or Liam more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Kathleen at #1110 in the United States.

What do Kathleen and Liam mean?

Kathleen means "pure, virginal" (Greek katharos via Irish origin). Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin).

Are Kathleen and Liam boy or girl names?

Kathleen is primarily a girl name. Liam is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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