"pure, virginal"
Origin: Greek katharos via Irish
Language: English
Kathleen
Pronunciation: [ k-athl-EEN ]
Does Kathleen flow with your last name?
The quintessential Irish-American name meaning pure
Irish
American
British
Australian
Classic
Vintage
Elegant
Traditional
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Kathleen
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Kathleen
5 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"each of the two"
Origin: Greek aikia
Language: Greek
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
We found 1 potential concern.
See full analysis in your reportSimilar to Kathleen
See all →What the Kathleen report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Kathleen the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Kathleen
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Kathleen head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Kathleen actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
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.
Historical Record
Kathleen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 469,463 babies have been named Kathleen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kathleen is past its peak , currently ranked #1,110 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,110
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Jazlynn
Girl
"jazz music combined with lake or pool"
#1,149
True
Girl
"real, authentic, not false"
#1,168
Raylynn
Girl
"graceful ray of light"
#1,200
Giavanna
Girl
"Yahweh has shown favor"
#1,115
Kacey
Girl
"alert, observant"
#1,094
Compare Kathleen with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kathleen
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Kathleen fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Kathleen is also used as a boy name, ranked #34091.
View Kathleen as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Kathleen →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Kathleen with...
Same Origin Names (Irish)
See all Irish names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Kathleen
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Kathleen and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Kathleen sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Jazlynn
Girl
American English, invented origin
"jazz music combined with lake or pool"
#1,149 in US
True
Girl
Proto-Germanic origin
"real, authentic, not false"
#1,168 in US
Raylynn
Girl
American origin
"graceful ray of light"
#1,200 in US
Giavanna
Girl
Hebrew origin
"Yahweh has shown favor"
#1,115 in US
Kacey
Girl
Gaelic origin
"alert, observant"
#1,094 in US
Lauryn
Girl
Latin origin
"from the city of Laurentum"
#1,111 in US
Allyson
Girl
Germanic origin
"noble, of noble kind"
#911 in US
Alisha
Girl
Sanskrit origin
"protected by God"
#1,140 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Kathleen's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
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.
What girl names are similar to Kathleen?
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.
Keep Exploring
Greek katharos via Irish Names
Browse all names with this origin
K
Names Starting with K
More girl names like Kathleen
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis