Kathlee first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kathlee has been for the last 1 years (from 1988 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kathlee

A feminine name of Latin origin meaning "pure".

Popularity of Kathlee by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Kathlee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kathlee.

Year Male Count Female Count
1988 0 5

The history of the first name Kathlee

The name Kathlee is believed to have originated from the Greek name Katharina, which itself is derived from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure" or "clear." The name Katharina was popularized in medieval Europe after the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, an early Christian martyr, became widespread in the 4th century.

The spelling variation "Kathlee" is thought to have emerged in Ireland and Scotland, where the name was anglicized and adapted to local linguistic styles. It is believed to have been a diminutive form of the more common Katherine or Catharine, reflecting the affectionate use of the name in these regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kathlee dates back to the 16th century in Ireland. In the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history, there is a reference to a woman named Kathleen NĂ­ Bhriain, who lived in the late 15th century and was the daughter of an Irish chieftain.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Kathlee or its various spellings. In the 17th century, Kathleen Browne (1674-1735) was an Irish poet and dramatist who wrote under the pen name "Sylvia." She was known for her witty and satirical verse, and her works were celebrated during her lifetime.

In the 19th century, Kathleen Erin O'Meara (1839-1888) was an Irish author and journalist who wrote extensively on Irish history and culture. Her book "Life of Frederic Ozanam" was widely acclaimed and helped to promote the work of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization she was actively involved with.

Another notable figure was Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971), a British crystallographer and pacifist. She made significant contributions to the study of crystallography and was one of the first women elected to the Royal Society in 1945. Lonsdale was also a prominent advocate for peace and disarmament.

In the 20th century, Kathleen Ferrier (1912-1953) was a renowned English contralto singer who was particularly acclaimed for her performances of oratorio and lieder. She is considered one of the greatest vocalists of her generation and had a successful career on the concert stage and in recordings.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kathlee or its various spellings. While the exact origin and meaning of the name may be subject to debate, it has a rich cultural heritage and has been carried by accomplished women across various fields and eras.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kathlee was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kathlee, please contact us.

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"Kathlee first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 29, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kathlee-meaning-and-history/.

"Kathlee first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kathlee-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 29 September, 2025

Kathlee first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kathlee-meaning-and-history/.

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