Kathleen

1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

The name Kathleen is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, which itself derives from the Old French name Katherine or Catherine. The ultimate origin of Catherine can be traced to the Ancient Greek name Αἰκατερίνη (Aikaterinē), though its exact etymology remains somewhat contested. The most widely accepted interpretation connects it to the Greek word 'katharos' (καθαρός), meaning 'pure' or 'clean', thus Kathleen fundamentally signifies 'pure one'.

Kathleen gained particular prominence in Ireland before spreading throughout the English-speaking world. Its popularization in Ireland dates back to the medieval period when Norman influences brought variants of Catherine to the island. The distinctly Irish pronunciation and spelling evolved over centuries, with Kathleen becoming firmly established as an independent given name by the 19th century. The name experienced significant popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the early to mid-20th century, ranking consistently among top female names from the 1910s through the 1950s.

References:

Kathleen Name Meaning and Kathleen Family History at FamilySearch

2. Kathleen name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Kathleen

United States

United Kingdom

Kathleen is predominantly a female name with roots in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While specific popularity rankings aren't available in the data, the name has maintained a presence in both countries over time. It derives from the Irish name Caitlín, a variation of Katherine, meaning "pure."

In the United States, Kathleen has been used for both genders, though it remains primarily associated with females. The name gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a classic choice. In the UK, Kathleen continues to be recognized as a traditional feminine name, often shortened to affectionate nicknames like Kate, Kathy, or Kat.

3. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

The name Kathleen has a rich heritage that spans continents and cultures. Originally derived from the Irish name Caitlín, itself an Irish form of Katherine, Kathleen has evolved into numerous variants across different languages. In English-speaking countries, related forms include Kathlyn, Kathlene, Cathleen, and Cathlene, each maintaining the name's melodic quality while offering subtle spelling differences. European variations such as Katalin (Hungarian), Katarina (Slavic), Caterina (Italian), and Ekaterina (Russian) demonstrate how this timeless name has been adapted worldwide. The Scottish Gaelic form Caitrìona and Welsh Catrin further illustrate its Celtic connections, while Katerina, Katrijn, and Katarzyna show its spread across Eastern and Central Europe.

Nicknames for Kathleen abound, offering versatility that allows the name to grow with its bearer from childhood to adulthood. The most common diminutives include Kate, Katie, Kathy, and Kay, with each lending a different personality to the original. More playful variations like Kat, Kitty, Katy, and Kath remain popular choices for informal use. Some families opt for less conventional nicknames such as Leena, Kayla, or Kiki, extracted from different parts of the original name. Regional preferences have also influenced nickname traditions, with Katie more common in some areas and Kathy predominant in others. The endearing Irish nickname Caitie pays homage to the name's roots, while modern variations like KK or Leenie have emerged as contemporary options. This wealth of diminutives ensures that bearers of the name Kathleen can choose an identity that perfectly suits their individual personality and stage of life.

4. Best name combinations with Kathleen

Middle names that pair well with Kathleen:

Kathleen Rose
Kathleen Grace
Kathleen Marie
Kathleen Elizabeth
Kathleen Claire
Kathleen Sophia
Kathleen Celeste
Kathleen Victoria
Kathleen Josephine
Kathleen Eleanor
Kathleen Genevieve
Kathleen Isabelle
Kathleen Margaret
Kathleen Juliette
Kathleen Therese
Kathleen Maeve
Kathleen Siobhan
Kathleen Fiona
Kathleen Brielle
Kathleen Adeline

Names that go well when Kathleen is used as a middle name:

Emma Kathleen
Sophia Kathleen
Charlotte Kathleen
Olivia Kathleen
Isabella Kathleen
Amelia Kathleen
Eleanor Kathleen
Victoria Kathleen
Elizabeth Kathleen
Caroline Kathleen
Genevieve Kathleen
Josephine Kathleen
Anastasia Kathleen
Evelyn Kathleen
Madeline Kathleen
Fiona Kathleen
Bridget Kathleen
Claire Kathleen
Margaret Kathleen
Rosemary Kathleen

5. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

7
K(2) + A(1) + T(2) + H(8) + L(3) + E(5) + E(5) + N(5) = 31 = 3+1 = 4

As a Destiny Number 4, Kathleen is naturally practical, organized, and reliable. This number indicates someone who builds solid foundations and values stability. In career, Kathleen would excel in roles requiring attention to detail, systematic thinking, and persistence. In relationships, she offers loyalty and dependability, though may sometimes appear too serious or work-oriented. Kathleen approaches challenges methodically and values honesty and hard work above all else.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

9
A(1) + E(5) + E(5) = 11 = 1+1 = 2

With a Soul Urge Number 2, Kathleen deeply desires harmony, cooperation, and balanced relationships. Internally, she is sensitive to others' needs and finds fulfillment through partnership and diplomacy. In relationships, she seeks emotional connection and mutual understanding. This number reveals her natural ability to mediate conflicts and her need for peaceful surroundings to feel emotionally satisfied.

Personality Number:

5
K(2) + T(2) + H(8) + L(3) + N(5) = 20 = 2+0 = 2

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

as diplomatic, cooperative, and sensitive. People likely see her as a peacemaker who works well with others. She presents herself as thoughtful and considerate, sometimes appearing to prioritize others' needs before her own. This outer personality helps her build strong relationships and navigate social situations with grace and tact.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Kathleen name in pop culture

Name

Description

Kathleen Turner

Acclaimed actress known for roles in 'Romancing the Stone,' 'Body Heat,' and as the voice of Jessica Rabbit in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'

Kathleen Kelly

Fictional character played by Meg Ryan in the 1998 romantic comedy film 'You've Got Mail'

Kathleen Lights

Popular beauty influencer and YouTuber who launched her own nail polish line, KL Polish

Come On Eileen

Hit song by Dexys Midnight Runners with the lyrics 'Come on Eileen, oh I swear what he means, at this moment you mean everything' (often misheard as 'Come on, Kathleen')

Kathleen Cleaver

Prominent figure in the Black Panther Party featured in various documentaries and referenced in hip-hop music and political discourse

7. Famous people named Kathleen

Name

Description

Kathleen Turner

American actress known for her distinctive voice and roles in films such as 'Romancing the Stone,' 'Peggy Sue Got Married,' and as the voice of Jessica Rabbit

Kathleen Kennedy

Influential film producer and current president of Lucasfilm, who has produced blockbusters like E.T., Jurassic Park, and the recent Star Wars films

Kathleen Battle

Grammy-winning American operatic soprano recognized for her light, pure voice and celebrated performances at the Metropolitan Opera

Kathleen Hanna

Musician, artist, and feminist activist who fronted the influential punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the riot grrrl movement

Kathleen Sebelius

American politician who served as the 21st United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and was the 44th Governor of Kansas

Kathleen Wynne

Canadian politician who served as Ontario's first female Premier and first openly LGBTQ+ Premier from 2013 to 2018

Kathleen Beller

American actress known for her role as Kirby Anders in the popular 1980s TV series 'Dynasty' and her Golden Globe-nominated film work

Kathleen Quinlan

Academy Award-nominated American actress known for her roles in 'Apollo 13' and 'I Never Promised You a Rose Garden'

Kathleen Madigan

Award-winning American stand-up comedian and television personality known for her appearances on comedy specials and late-night talk shows

Kathleen Edwards

Canadian singer-songwriter and musician known for her folk-rock style and albums like 'Failer' and 'Voyageur'

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Danah

Bella

Campbell

Chloe

Caiden

Genya

Camille

Dasha

Peder

Ainsley

Aiden

Carter

Kathryn

Charlee

Darcy

Petros

Elaine

Ahjin

Steven

Golden

Common sibling names

Sisters

Lily

Camille

Nicole

Elise

Peggy

Bella

Darcy

Charlee

Ella

Rita

Katie

Petra

Ainsley

Carter

Elaine

Hallie

Cleo

Daphne

Kathryn

Helen

Brothers

Dennis

Lukas

Damon

Stephen

Aiden

Caiden

Caden

Darcy

Cayden

Eugene

Bodie

George

Maurice

Carter

Silas

Declan

Eli

Caleb

Filip

Dion

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Kathleen

1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

References:

2. Kathleen name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

4. Best name combinations with Kathleen

Middle names that pair well with Kathleen:

Names that go well when Kathleen is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

6. Kathleen name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Kathleen

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Common sibling names

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Kathleen

1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

References:

2. Kathleen name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

4. Best name combinations with Kathleen

Middle names that pair well with Kathleen:

Names that go well when Kathleen is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

6. Kathleen name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Kathleen

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Kathleen

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