Kathleen

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1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

The name Kathleen is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, which itself derives from the Old French name Katherine or the Greek-inspired Catherine. The ultimate origin of Catherine can be traced to the Ancient Greek name Αἰκατερίνη (Aikaterinē), meaning 'pure' or 'clear', thus Kathleen retains its meaning as 'pure'.

Kathleen gained particular prominence in Ireland before spreading throughout the English-speaking world. Its popularization in Ireland dates back to the medieval period when Norman influences brought variants of Catherine to the island. The distinctly Irish pronunciation and spelling evolved over centuries, with Kathleen becoming firmly established as an independent given name by the 19th century. The name experienced significant popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the early to mid-20th century, ranking consistently among top female names from the 1910s through the 1950s.

Kathleen

References:

Kathleen Name Meaning and Kathleen Family History at FamilySearch

2. Kathleen name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Kathleen

United States

United Kingdom

Kathleen is predominantly a female name with roots in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While specific popularity rankings aren't available in the data, the name has maintained a presence in both countries over time. It derives from the Irish name Caitlín, a variation of Katherine, meaning "pure."

In the United States, Kathleen has been used for both genders, though it remains primarily associated with females. The name gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a classic choice. In the UK, Kathleen continues to be recognized as a traditional feminine name, often shortened to affectionate nicknames like Kate, Kathy, or Kat.

3. Kathleen in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

The name Kathleen has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Literature:

Kathleen - She is from the novel “The Things They Carried”. Her youthful innocence provides a sharp contrast and a narrative device for O'Brien to confront his Vietnam War trauma.

Kathleen Bowen - A character from the book “ A Time For Courage: The Suffragette Diary of Kathleen Bowen”. She is the protagonist of the children's historical novel by Kathryn Lasky, focused on the suffragette movement.

Kathleen Mallory - The protagonist of a mystery series by author Carol O'Connell, beginning with “ Mallory's Oracle” . An emotionally scarred street child who is adopted by a detective.

Films and Television:

Kathleen "Kat" Harvey - The main human character and friend of Casper the Friendly Ghost in the 1995 live-action film “ Casper” .

Kathleen - A 12-year-old character played by Shirley Temple in the 1941 film of the same name, who lives with her work-obsessed father and a strict governess.

Kathleen - She is the former love interest of the undercover cop Terry Noonan in the 1990 film “ State of Grace”.

Kathleen In the 1982 film “ Jinxed!”. She is a minor character and the mother of the protagonist.

Kathleen Coghlan - A revolutionary leader in the HBO series “ The Last of Us”. She is driven by revenge for her brother's death and rules her territory with an iron fist.

Video Games:

No characters named Kathleen were found in major video game titles as a primary or titular character, though the name is occasionally used for minor NPCs.

4. Celebrities with the Name Kathleen

The name Kathleen has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Historical Figure:

Kathleen Mansfield Murry

She is a writer and critic from New Zealand who was an important figure in the modernist movement, celebrated for her pioneering short stories.

Kathleen Mansfield Murry

Image source: Wikipedia

Kathleen Freeman

She is a British classical scholar and author of detective novels (under the pseudonym Mary Fitt). She lectured in Greek at Cardiff University.

Kathleen Freeman

Image source: Wikipedia

Kathleen Scott

A British sculptor, she was married to the Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Her work includes portrait busts and war memorials, and she was considered one of Britain's most significant female sculptors.

Kathleen Scott

Image source: Wikipedia

Kathleen Agnes Kennedy

The second daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald, and a sister of President John F. Kennedy.

Kathleen Agnes Kennedy

Image source: Wikipedia

Kathleen Ferrier

A celebrated English contralto singer who gained an international reputation for her performances of classical works, folk songs, and popular ballads.

Kathleen Ferrier

Image source: Wikipedia

Kathleen Antonelli

An Irish-American computer programmer who was one of the six original programmers of the ENIAC, one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers.

Kathleen Antonelli

Image source: Wikipedia

Dame Kathleen Mary Kenyon

A British archaeologist who made significant discoveries in Britain and the Middle East, particularly known for her excavations in Jericho and Jerusalem.

Dame Kathleen Mary Kenyon

Image source: Wikipedia

Contemporary Celebrities:

Kathleen Turner

An American actress known for her distinctive husky voice and commanding presence, who rose to prominence in the 1980s.

Kathleen Madigan

An American stand-up comedian and television personality known for her specials on Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central.

Kathleen Battle

An American Grammy-winning operatic soprano recognized for her light, pure voice and celebrated performances.

Kathleen Hanna

She is a musician and the frontwoman for the band Le Tigre and has been a central figure in feminist music and culture for decades.

Kathleen Sebelius

An American politician who served as the 21st United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and was the 44th Governor of Kansas.

Kathleen Wynne

Former Canadian politician who served as Ontario's first female Premier and first openly LGBTQ+ Premier.

Kathleen Beller

American actress known for her role as Kirby Anders in the popular 1980s TV series “Dynasty”.

Kathleen Quinlan

She is an American actress who earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Marilyn Lovell in the 1995 film “Apollo 13”.

Kathleen Edwards

She is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who became famous for her folk-rock style.

Kathleen Widdoes

An American actress best known for her long-running role as Emma Snyder on the soap opera “As the World Turns”.

Celebrities Who Named Their Babies This Way:

Mike Myers

He is an actor and comedian who named his child Paulina Kathleen Myers.

Michael J. Fox

He is an actor who has a child named Kathleen with Tracy Pollan.

5. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

The name Kathleen has a rich heritage that spans continents and cultures. Originally derived from the Irish name Caitlín, itself an Irish form of Katherine, Kathleen has evolved into numerous variants across different languages. In English-speaking countries, related forms include Kathlyn, Kathlene, Cathleen, and Cathlene, each maintaining the name's melodic quality while offering subtle spelling differences. European variations such as Karin or Katka (Czech), Katarina (Danish), Caterina or Rina (Italian), and Ekaterini, Kaiti, Keti (Greek) demonstrate how this timeless name has been adapted worldwide. The Scottish Gaelic form Caitrìona and Welsh Catrin or Cadi further illustrate its Celtic connections, while Katerina (Albanian),and Katarzyna (Polish) show its spread across Eastern and Central Europe.

Nicknames for Kathleen abound, offering versatility that allows the name to grow with its bearer from childhood to adulthood. The most common diminutives include Kate, Katie, Kathy, and Kay, with each lending a different personality to the original. More playful variations like Kat, Kitty, Katy, and Kat remain popular choices for informal use. Some families opt for less conventional nicknames such as Lena, Kitkat, or Kit, extracted from different parts of the original name. Regional preferences have also influenced nickname traditions, with Kath more common in some areas and Kathy predominant in others. The endearing Irish nickname Caitlin pays homage to the name's roots, while modern variations like Katya or Kass have emerged as contemporary options. This wealth of diminutives ensures that bearers of the name Kathleen can choose an identity that perfectly suits their individual personality and stage of life.

6. Best name combinations with Kathleen

names that pair well with Kathleen:

Kathleen Rose
Kathleen Anna
Kathleen Marie
Kathleen Elizabeth
Kathleen Seraphine
Kathleen Anastasia
Kathleen Celeste
Kathleen Victoria
Kathleen Maureen
Kathleen Amara
Kathleen Genevieve
Kathleen Ivy
Kathleen Margaret
Kathleen Tamara
Kathleen Therese
Kathleen Maeve
Kathleen Meredith
Kathleen Fiona
Kathleen Cassandra
Kathleen Faye
DoloresKathleen
KristaKathleen
MonicaKathleen
Olivia Kathleen
Isabella Kathleen
Amelia Kathleen
RebeccaKathleen
Victoria Kathleen
Elizabeth Kathleen
JacquelineKathleen
Genevieve Kathleen
AmandaKathleen
Anastasia Kathleen
Evelyn Kathleen
Madeline Kathleen
KaylaKathleen
Bridget Kathleen
NadineKathleen
Margaret Kathleen
Rosemary Kathleen

7. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

4
K(2) + A(1) + T(2) + H(8) + L(3) + E(5) + E(5) + N(5) = 31 = 3+1 = 4

As a Destiny Number 4, Kathleen is naturally a problem-solver l, organized, and strategic. This number indicates someone who builds solid foundations and values stability. In career, Kathleen would excel in roles requiring attention to detail, systematic thinking, and persistence. In relationships, she offers dedication and stability, though may sometimes struggle with expressing emotions as the Destiny Number 7 tends to focus too much on the practical side of life. . Kathleen approaches challenges methodically and values honesty and hard work above all else.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

2
A(1) + E(5) + E(5) = 11 = 1+1 = 2

With a Soul Urge Number 2, Kathleen deeply desires harmony, peace and partnership. Internally, she is sensitive to others' needs and finds fulfillment through relationship and diplomacy. In relationships, she seeks emotional connection and mutual understanding. This number reveals her natural ability to mediate conflicts and her need for peaceful surroundings to feel emotionally satisfied.

Personality Number:

2
K(2) + T(2) + H(8) + L(3) + N(5) = 20 = 2+0 = 2

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

as empathetic, cooperative, and nurturing. People likely see her as a peacemaker who works well with others. She presents herself as thoughtful and considerate, sometimes appearing to prioritize others' needs before her own. This outer personality helps her build strong relationships and navigate social situations with grace and tact.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Danah

Bella

Campbell

Chloe

Caiden

Genya

Camille

Dasha

Peder

Ainsley

Aiden

Carter

Kathryn

Charlee

Darcy

Petros

Elaine

Ahjin

Steven

Golden

Common sibling names

Sisters

Lily

Camille

Nicole

Elise

Peggy

Bella

Darcy

Charlee

Ella

Rita

Katie

Petra

Ainsley

Carter

Elaine

Hallie

Cleo

Daphne

Kathryn

Helen

Brothers

Dennis

Lukas

Damon

Stephen

Aiden

Caiden

Caden

Darcy

Cayden

Eugene

Bodie

George

Maurice

Carter

Silas

Declan

Eli

Caleb

Filip

Dion

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Kathleen

1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

References:

2. Kathleen name popularity

3. Kathleen in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Kathleen

5. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

6. Best name combinations with Kathleen

names that pair well with Kathleen:

7. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

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Kathleen

1. Kathleen name meaning and origin

References:

2. Kathleen name popularity

3. Kathleen in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Kathleen

5. Variations and nicknames of Kathleen

6. Best name combinations with Kathleen

names that pair well with Kathleen:

7. Numerology of Kathleen name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

Kathleen's Personality Number 2 shows how others perceive her:

8. Names similar to Kathleen

Like Kathleen ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Kathleen

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