Kathleen

The first name Kathleen is an anglicized variant of the Irish Caitlín, which in turn is a form of Katherine. Its meanings include "the Pure" and, more broadly, "the Innocent," and it derives from the Ancient Greek term katharós, which means "pure, clean, unblemished."

What does the name Kathleen mean?

Kathleen is the anglicized form of Caitlín, the Irish variant of Katherine. The name carries the meaning "the Pure" or "the Innocent," based on the Ancient Greek word katharós, which means "pure, clean, unblemished." This derivation has been attributed to the name since Roman antiquity and the early days of Christianity, though the exact origin remains disputed. For more information, see the entry for Katherine. Kathleen is among the most common female first names in the English-speaking world. The spelling Cathleen is also widely used. Other forms of Kathleen or Caitlin include Caithleen, Caithlyn, Caitleen, Caitlind, Caitlyn, Caitlynn, Catleen, Catlin, Catline, Kaitlin, Kaitlyn, Kaitlynn, Kathaleen, Katleen, Katlin, Kätlin, and Ketlin.

Where does the name Kathleen come from?

The name Kathleen has its roots in Ancient Greek and means "the Pure" or "the Innocent." The Ancient Greek term katharós (καθαρός) stands for "pure, clean, unblemished." There are also other Ancient Greek words such as hekáteros (ἑκάτερος), meaning "each of the two," or hekás (ἑκάς), meaning "far away," as well as aikía (αἰκία), meaning "torture." The languages in which Kathleen appears include American English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh.

How do you pronounce Kathleen?

The pronunciation of Kathleen is soft and two-syllable. It is pronounced as "Kath-leen" [kæθˈliːn] or, in a Germanized form, as [katˈliːn]. The name begins with a distinctive consonant cluster, with the stressed second syllable featuring a long 'i,' giving the name a special radiance. The final 'n' provides a gentle resonance, making Kathleen appear classic and elegant - soft, clear, and present.

When is the name day of Kathleen?

The most important name day for Kathleen is celebrated on November 25th in honor of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

Popularity

In Germany, Kathleen is a popular first name and currently ranks 2,358th in the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 1938, when it reached 262nd place. In the last ten years, Kathleen has been given as a first name about 230 times, placing it 1,477th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,219th.

Nicknames & pet names

Kadde / Kaddel / Kaddi / Kaddy / Kat / Katalea / Kate / Katel / Katha / Kathe / Kathelene / Kathi / Kathiche / Kathleenche / Kathleenchen / Kathleeni / Kathy / Kati / Katie / Katinka / Katja / Katl / Katleni / Katlette / Katte / Leen / Leenchen / Leeni / Lena / Leni

Similar first names

Famous people

• Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston (British-Dutch Actress)
• Ellen Kathleen Pompeo (Actress)
• Feodora Kathleen Alice Forde (British Actress)
• Joanne Kathleen Rowling (English Author)
• Kathleen Aerts (Singer from Belgium)
• Kathleen Ann Kelly (Singer)
• Kathleen Anne Brien alias "Katy B" (British Singer-Songwriter)
• Kathleen B. Burke (American Actress)
• Kathleen Bryson (Actress from the USA)
• Kathleen Butler-Hopkins (Musician from the USA)
• Kathleen Byron (British Actress)
• Kathleen Dayus (Writer from the UK)
• Kathleen Dee-Anne Stark (American Actress)
• Kathleen Duey (Writer)
• Kathleen E. Walsh (Actress)
• Kathleen Emperatriz "Kat" DeLuna (American Singer)
• Kathleen Gilje (American Artist)
• Kathleen Jones (English Poet)
• Kathleen Key (American Actress)
• Kathleen Maguire (American Actress)