Kathleen vs Olivia

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
Olivia Rank #1

Olivia 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

Olivia ___

  • Olivia Rose
  • Olivia Grace
  • Olivia Jane
  • Olivia Mae
  • Olivia Claire
  • Olivia Jade

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kathleen

Bridget Maureen Colleen Patrick Michael

If you choose Olivia

Liam Noah Charlotte Emma 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 Olivia more popular?

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

What do Kathleen and Olivia mean?

Kathleen means "pure, virginal" (Greek katharos via Irish origin). Olivia means "olive tree" (Latin origin).

Are Kathleen and Olivia boy or girl names?

Kathleen is primarily a girl name. Olivia is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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← Full profile: Kathleen ← Full profile: Olivia Browse all baby names