Holding steady.
Popularity of Kathleene since 1915
Babies named Kathleene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 25 |
| 1920s | 93 |
| 1930s | 65 |
| 1940s | 132 |
| 1950s | 122 |
| 1960s | 75 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kathleene is a phonetic respelling of the classic Irish name Kathleen. While it has never achieved widespread popularity, it saw modest use in the mid-20th century, with a peak year of 1947. Its first recorded U.S. birth was in 1915, and its trajectory has remained stable. The name has not appeared in any top states data. As a variant of Kathleen, it shares the etymological connection to the Greek-derived 'pure,' though its spelling reflects a modern, Americanized adaptation. Parents choosing this spelling often appreciate its distinctiveness while maintaining a familiar sound.
Kathleene is a respelled variant of Kathleen, itself an anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, which is a Gaelic form of Katherine. The name Katherine is traditionally derived from the Greek Aikaterinē, commonly linked to katharos meaning 'pure'. The spelling Kathleene emerged in the 20th century as a phonetic variant, following a pattern of simplifying or Americanizing Irish names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kathy, Katie, Lee, Lena
Sibling names for Kathleene
Names that share Kathleene's style, for a brother or sister.
