MallowbyNames

Katleen

kat-LEEN · Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Kathleen, meaning 'pure' or 'clear'.

Peak popularity
1953
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Katleen since 1941

Babies named Katleen per year in U.S. Social Security records.

59141960198020002020Most births 1953Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s20
1950s76
1960s29
1970s0
1980s5
1990s43
2000s30
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Katleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín. First recorded in the U.S. in 1941, it saw its highest usage in 1953, consistent with a broader trend for Irish names in the mid-20th century. While it has not ranked in the top 1000 in recent decades, its trajectory has remained stable since the 1950s. The name's spelling distinguishes it from the more common Kathleen and its modern variants like Caitlin and Kaitlyn.

Katleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, derived from the Greek name Aikaterinē. The name has been used in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, particularly in the 20th century. Its peak usage in the 1950s reflects a broader trend for Irish names during that era.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kat, Katie, Lee

Variants: Kathleen, Caitlin, Kaitlyn

Sibling names for Katleen

Names that share Katleen's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Katleen, our favorite little girl.

K is for Katleen…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Katleen's letter becomes Katleen's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Katleen's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Katleen mean?
Katleen is a variant of Kathleen, which traditionally means 'pure' or 'clear' from the Greek Aikaterinē, though its exact origin is debated.
How popular is the name Katleen currently?
Katleen has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent years; its peak popularity was in 1953.
Is Katleen a girl's name or a boy's name?
Katleen is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.