Kathleen
kath-LEEN
The Story of Kathleen
The 'pure' heart of an Irish queen, this name has traveled centuries, ready to embrace your daughter with its clear spirit.
Kathleen is the Anglicized form of the Irish Caitlin, itself an Irish variation of Katherine. Its root meaning is generally accepted as 'pure' or 'clear.' The name rose to prominence in the English-speaking world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying with it the romance and charm of its Irish origins.
There is a certain clarity to the name Kathleen, a feeling of unblemished honesty. When you whisper it to your daughter, it feels like offering her a gift of her own untainted spirit. You imagine the way it will sound when she hears it called from across a garden party, clear and bright.
What It Means
“Kathleen is the Anglicized form of Caitlin, an Irish form of Katherine. It means 'pure' or 'clear'.”
Nickname Watch
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Numerology
The Creative
Expressive, joyful, and imaginative. Names vibrating at 3 inspire creativity and optimism.
Famous Namesakes
Kathleen Turner
American actress known for her roles in films.
Kathleen Battle
American operatic soprano with a distinctive voice.
Personality Traits
Peak Year
#26,749 in 1951
Total Births
715,129
First Recorded
1880
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