Kathleen vs Theodore

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'"}

Popularity Comparison

Kathleen Rank #1,110
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 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

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kathleen

Bridget Maureen Colleen Patrick Michael

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

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 Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Kathleen at #1110 in the United States.

What do Kathleen and Theodore mean?

Kathleen means "pure, virginal" (Greek katharos via Irish origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Kathleen and Theodore boy or girl names?

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

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