"pure, virginal"
Origin: Greek katharos via Irish
Language: English
Kathleen
Pronunciation: [ k-athl-EEN ]
Girl Name
#1,110 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
The quintessential Irish-American name meaning pure
Irish
American
British
Australian
Classic
Vintage
Elegant
Traditional
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"each of the two"
Origin: Greek aikia
Language: Greek
The Story of Kathleen
Kathleen is the Irish Anglicization of Caitlín, itself the Irish form of Katharine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterinē. The name's meaning is often given as 'pure' or 'virginal' (from Greek katharos), though earlier forms may connect to the name of the Greek goddess Hecate. Saint Catherine of Alexandria (4th century) spread the name throughout Christendom, and its Irish form Kathleen traveled with Irish emigrants worldwide.
Kathleen was a top-20 name in the US from the 1940s through the 1960s, representing the large Irish-American Catholic community's naming preferences. It began a long decline from the 1970s onward, though it remains beloved by grandmothers and those with Irish heritage.
Kathleen is practically synonymous with Irish-American Catholic identity from the mid-20th century. The song 'I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen' (1876) and 'Kathleen Mavourneen' (1835) cemented it as a symbol of Irish longing and nostalgia. Many Irish families maintained the name across generations as a connection to heritage.
Fun Facts
- The song 'I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen' (1876) became so associated with Ireland that many believe it is a traditional Irish folk song — it was written in Indiana
- Kathleen was the #6 most popular girl name in the US in 1955
- Kathleen appears in four major 19th-century Irish ballads, cementing its status as the archetypal Irish feminine name
Kathleen in Other Languages
Irish
Caitlín
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Italian
Caterina
Spanish
Catalina
Scottish Gaelic
Catrìona
Famous People Named Kathleen
K
Kathleen Turner
Actor
1954
American actress known for Romancing the Stone, Body Heat, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, with a distinctive husky voice
K
Kathleen Kennedy
Business
1953
American film producer and president of Lucasfilm who oversaw the Star Wars sequel trilogy and Indiana Jones franchise
K
Kathleen Mavourneen Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the famous 1835 Irish ballad 'Kathleen Mavourneen,' symbolizing Irish longing and separation
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,110
- Total SSA Count
- 220
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American British Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kathy
Kate
Kat
Kay
Kit
Pairs Well With
Kathleen Anne
Kathleen Marie
Kathleen Grace
Kathleen Rose
Kathleen Margaret
Kathleen Elizabeth
Kathleen Joan
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Kathleen is also used as a boy name, ranked #34091.
View Kathleen as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kathleen
What does the name Kathleen mean?
"pure, virginal" (from Greek katharos via Irish). "each of the two" (from Greek aikia). Kathleen is the Irish Anglicization of Caitlín, itself the Irish form of Katharine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterinē. The name's meaning is often given as 'pure' or 'virginal' (from Greek katharos), though earlier forms may connect to the name of the Greek goddess Hecate. Saint Catherine of Alexandria (4th century) spread the name throughout Christendom, and its Irish form Kathleen traveled with Irish emigrants worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Kathleen?
Kathleen has Greek katharos via Irish, Greek aikia, Irish, American, British, and Australian origins. In Greek katharos via Irish, it means "pure, virginal". In Greek aikia, it means "each of the two".
Is Kathleen a boy or girl name?
Kathleen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1110. As a boy name, it is ranked #34091. Kathleen is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kathleen?
Kathleen is pronounced k-athl-EEN.
How popular is the name Kathleen?
Kathleen is currently ranked #1110 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kathleen?
Common nicknames for Kathleen include Kathy, Kate, Kat, Kay, and Kit.
What are good middle names for Kathleen?
Popular middle name pairings include Kathleen Anne, Kathleen Marie, Kathleen Grace, Kathleen Rose, Kathleen Margaret, Kathleen Elizabeth, and Kathleen Joan.
What are good sibling names for Kathleen?
Names that pair well with Kathleen as siblings include Bridget, Maureen, Colleen, Patrick, Michael, Eileen, and Sean.
How many syllables does Kathleen have?
Kathleen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kathleen a common or rare name?
Kathleen is an uncommon name, ranked #1110 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kathleen
Kathleen is a girl name with Irish, American, British, and Australian origins . The name means "pure, virginal" in Greek katharos via Irish .
Is Kathleen a boy or girl name? Kathleen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,110 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #34,091. Kathleen is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kathleen is currently ranked #1,110 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kathleen has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-athl-EEN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kathleen include Kathy, Kate, Kat, Kay, and Kit. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kathleen include Katherine, Kathryn, Kathy, Kathlyn, Katheryn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.