Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish language name "Caitlín", which itself comes from the Old Irish name "Caitlinn". The meaning of Kathleen is generally agreed upon to be "pure" or "chaste".
The name Kathleen has a long history in Ireland and beyond. It was first recorded as a given name in the 12th century, when it was used by a Norman noblewoman named Kathleen Fitzgerald. Since then, the name has been popular among Irish families and has also gained popularity internationally.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Kathleen is St. Kathleen (also known as St. Catherine of Alexandria), who was a martyr in the 4th century. She is revered by Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike, and her feast day is celebrated on November 25th.
Throughout history, there have been many famous individuals named Kathleen, including American author Kathleen Norris, Canadian actress Kathleen Robertson, and Australian swimmer Kathleen Ross. Each of these women has made significant contributions in their respective fields, helping to further popularize the name Kathleen in the process.
Today, Kathleen remains a popular given name for girls around the world. It is often spelled with one "l" instead of two, although both spellings are considered correct. The name also has several variants and diminutives, such as Caitlin, Kitty, Kay, and Kat. Despite these variations, Kathleen continues to be a beloved name that evokes images of purity, grace, and strength.
In conclusion, Kathleen is an Irish feminine given name with a rich history and a meaningful meaning. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it remains a popular choice among parents today. Whether spelled with one "l" or two, Kathleen is a beautiful and timeless name that will continue to inspire generations to come.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Kathleen in the United States from 1941 to 2009. During this period, there were a total of 203 babies named Kathleen born each year.
The popularity of the name Kathleen varied over time. In some years, such as 1953 and 1968, more than 10 babies were named Kathleen. However, in other years like 1941, 1943, and 1987, only 5 girls were named Kathleen.
Overall, the most popular year for the name Kathleen was 1953 with 14 births. In contrast, there were several years with only 5 births each: 1941, 1943, 1945, 1949, and 1987.
These statistics provide an interesting glimpse into the trends of baby naming in the United States over a span of nearly seven decades. They show how the name Kathleen's popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, with peaks in the mid-20th century and a decline towards the end of the century and into the early 21st century.
Despite fluctuations in its popularity, the name Kathleen remained a consistent choice for parents throughout this period, appearing on the annual list of baby names each year.