Holding steady.
Popularity of Cathaleen since 1917
Babies named Cathaleen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 21 |
| 1940s | 52 |
| 1950s | 140 |
| 1960s | 59 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cathaleen is a distinctive spelling of the more familiar Kathleen, with its peak popularity occurring in 1951. Although it has never been among the most common names, it has maintained a stable presence over the decades. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared in records in 1917 and has seen consistent but modest usage since then. It is most commonly associated with families of Irish heritage, and while not currently in the top 1000, it remains a recognizable and classic choice.
Cathaleen is a rare spelling variant of Kathleen, itself the anglicized form of Caitlín, the Irish Gaelic version of Katherine. The name Katherine ultimately derives from Greek Aikaterine, with the meaning 'pure' traditionally associated through later folk etymology. Cathaleen saw modest use in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in 1951.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cat, Cathy, Kate
Sibling names for Cathaleen
Names that share Cathaleen's style, for a brother or sister.
