Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Caoilfhionn, which is composed of two elements: "caol" meaning "slender" or "slim", and "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white". Therefore, Kathleen's name can be translated as "slender fair one".
The name Kathleen has a rich history in Irish literature and culture. It was popularized by the 18th-century Irish poet Seán Clárach Mac Domhnaich, who wrote an Irish-language poem titled "Caoilfhionn Rua" ("Red Kathleen"). The poem tells the story of a young woman named Caoilfhionn Rua (red-haired Kathleen) who was falsely accused of poisoning her lover and sentenced to death. The poem is considered one of the most famous works in Irish literature, and it helped to popularize the name Kathleen among the Irish people.
In addition to its literary associations, the name Kathleen has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Kathleens was Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), an Italian Dominican tertiary and Doctor of the Church who was renowned for her mystical experiences and her advocacy for the poor and the sick. Another notable Kathleen was Kathleen Eileen Morison "Kitty" O'Shea (1862-1946), an Irish political activist and suffragette who played a significant role in the Home Rule movement.
Today, Kathleen remains a popular given name throughout the English-speaking world. It is often associated with Ireland and its culture, but it has also been adopted by other countries and communities as a symbol of strength, beauty, and resilience. Whether inspired by Irish literature, history, or simply drawn to its melodious sound, many parents choose the name Kathleen for their daughters in the hopes that they too will grow up to be strong, fair, and true like the legendary Kathleen of old.
The name Kathleen has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the years, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1915 and 1991, there were a total of 1691 births registered as Kathleen in the US.
The name's popularity peaked in the mid-20th century. In 1947, a significant number of babies were named Kathleen, with 48 births recorded that year. This was the highest number of Kathleen births in any single year during this period. The years following also saw high numbers of Kathleen births, with 38 births in 1948 and 56 births in 1949.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Between 1957 and 1964, the number of Kathleen births ranged from a high of 50 in 1958 to a low of 27 in 1961.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the name Kathleen was no longer as commonly chosen. The highest number of Kathleen births during these decades was 27 in 1989. In contrast, there were only 5 births registered as Kathleen in 1991.
These statistics illustrate how trends in naming can change over time, with Kathleen experiencing periods of popularity followed by periods of decline. Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Kathleen remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and elegant name for their daughters.