Find out how popular the first name Kathleen has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kathleen by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kathleen is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kathleen being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 246 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kathleen.

The history of the first name Kathleen

Kathleen is a feminine given name derived from the ancient Greek name Katharina, which itself originated from the Greek word "katharos" meaning "pure" or "clear". This name gained popularity in the early Christian era, with its meaning aligned with the virtues of purity and righteousness.

The name Kathleen emerged as an anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, which was a Gaelic equivalent of the name Katharina. This transition occurred during the Middle Ages, as the name spread across Europe and adapted to local linguistic variations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kathleen can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared in Irish annals and manuscripts. During this period, the name was associated with Irish nobility and religious figures, reflecting its growing cultural significance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kathleen. One of the most celebrated is Saint Kathleen (1224-1292), an Irish princess who renounced her royal status to become a nun and later founded several monasteries in Ireland.

Another prominent figure is Kathleen Ni Houlihan (fl. late 16th century), a personification of Ireland in Irish literature and folklore. She symbolized the struggle for Irish independence and inspired many nationalist movements.

In the literary realm, Kathleen Raine (1908-2003) was a renowned English poet and critic, known for her exploration of mystical and metaphysical themes. Her works have significantly influenced modern poetry and spirituality.

Moving into the modern era, Kathleen Kennedy (born 1953) is a prominent American film producer and co-founder of Amblin Entertainment. She has produced numerous acclaimed films, including "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Schindler's List," and "Lincoln," among others.

Lastly, Kathleen Battle (born 1948) is an American operatic soprano who has achieved global recognition for her exceptional vocal talents and performances in both opera and recitals. She has been hailed as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century.

These examples illustrate the enduring legacy and diverse backgrounds of individuals who have carried the name Kathleen throughout history, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and universal appeal.

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 Kathleen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!