Kathleen is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Caitlín", which is a diminutive form of the name "Caoimhín". This name was originally used for boys and means "handsome" or "gallant". However, over time, Kathleen has become more commonly associated with females.
The name Kathleen gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, likely due to its use in Irish literature. One of the most famous examples is the character Kathleen ni Houlihan from the play "The Shadow of the Glen" by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. This character became a symbol of Ireland itself and contributed to the name's popularity.
Kathleen has also been used by several notable figures throughout history, such as Kathleen Kennedy, a film producer and president of Lucasfilm, and Kathleen E. Brooks, an American lawyer who was the first African-American woman appointed as a federal judge in the United States.
While many people may associate the name Kathleen with red hair and freckles due to its Irish origin, it is important to remember that the name does not determine physical appearance or personality traits. Kathleen remains a beautiful and timeless name with a rich history and meaningful origins.
The statistics for the given name Kathleen in the United States between 1917 and 1963 reveal a fluctuating trend over time. The highest number of births recorded was 13 in 1920, followed by several years with fewer than 10 births each year until reaching another peak of 10 births in 1948. After this point, the number of births naming Kathleen steadily declined, with only five births recorded in both 1956 and 1959.
Overall, a total of 200 babies were named Kathleen during these years, indicating that it was not an exceptionally popular name but still had some popularity throughout the period. The data shows that while there were some notable peaks in the number of births with this name, overall its popularity remained relatively consistent and stable over time.
It's interesting to note that despite its fluctuations in popularity, Kathleen maintained a steady presence among baby names for several decades, suggesting that it was considered a timeless and appealing choice by many parents during these years.