What Does Name Kathleen Mean?

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. A name is not just a label, it is a reflection of your child's identity and personality. If you are considering the name Kathleen for your baby girl, you may be wondering what it means and where it comes from. In this article, we will explore the meaning and history behind the name Kathleen, as well as its popularity and variations.

Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish name Caitlín, which is the Irish form of the name Katherine. The name Katherine comes from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means 'pure'. Therefore, the name Kathleen can be interpreted to mean 'pure' or 'clear'.

The name Kathleen has been in use in Ireland for centuries. It was first recorded in the 15th century, and was a popular name among Irish Catholics. The name became more widespread in the 19th century, when many Irish immigrants brought the name with them to the United States. Kathleen became a popular name in America during the early 20th century, and has remained a popular choice for baby girls ever since.

Kathleen was a very popular name in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was one of the top 20 names for baby girls from the 1930s to the 1950s. However, the name has declined in popularity in recent years. In 2020, Kathleen was ranked as the 889th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. Despite its declining popularity, Kathleen remains a classic and timeless name that is still widely used today.

There are several variations of the name Kathleen, including Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Katelyn, and Katherine. Caitlin is the most common variation of the name, and is also of Irish origin. Kaitlyn and Katelyn are modern variations of the name that have become popular in recent years. Katherine is the original Greek form of the name, and is still a popular name today. Other variations of the name include Katelin, Katlyn, and Katalin.

There have been many famous people throughout history named Kathleen. Some notable examples include Kathleen Turner, an American actress; Kathleen Battle, an American opera singer; and Kathleen Hanna, an American musician and feminist activist. Other famous Kathleens include Kathleen Robertson, a Canadian actress; Kathleen Kennedy, an American film producer; and Kathleen Edwards, a Canadian singer-songwriter.

In conclusion, the name Kathleen is a classic and timeless name that has been around for centuries. It is a name of Irish origin that means 'pure' or 'clear'. Kathleen has been a popular name in the United States for many years, and has several variations, including Caitlin, Kaitlyn, and Katherine. If you are considering the name Kathleen for your baby girl, you can be sure that you are choosing a name with a rich history and a timeless appeal.