Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Caoilfhionn, which means "fair-haired" or "beautiful". The name has been popular throughout history, with many notable figures bearing it.
The earliest recorded use of the name Kathleen dates back to the 17th century in Ireland. However, its popularity did not peak until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it became fashionable among English-speaking countries due to its association with Irish culture and literature. For instance, W.B. Yeats wrote a poem titled "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" which contains the line "I will arise and go now, for always night and day/I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore/While pebbles gently turn and stones lie in their bed/Availing themselves of the useful sun". This poem contributed to the name's popularity as it was often associated with Irish beauty and tranquility.
Today, Kathleen remains a beloved name throughout the world. Its unique spelling and pronunciation make it stand out among other names, while its meaning adds an appealing touch of elegance. Despite its origins, Kathleen is not limited to Irish families; it has been embraced by people from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its timeless beauty and grace.
The given statistics provide an interesting glimpse into the popularity of the name Kathleen over several decades in the United States. The data shows that the name's usage has fluctuated over time, with periods of relative popularity followed by periods of decline.
In the early part of the 20th century, between 1919 and 1945, the name Kathleen was consistently used for around 6 births per year, with occasional peaks such as in 1944 when it reached 9 births. This suggests that the name had a steady level of popularity during this time.
However, from the mid-1940s onwards, there is a notable increase in the usage of the name Kathleen. In 1948, the number of births with this name jumped to 10, and it reached its peak popularity in 1953 with 13 births. This trend continues until the late 1950s, indicating that the name Kathleen was particularly fashionable during this period.
After the 1950s, the usage of the name Kathleen starts to decline again. Between 1962 and 1974, the number of births with this name fluctuates between 5 and 8 per year, suggesting a steady but less prominent popularity compared to the previous decade.
Overall, these statistics show that while Kathleen was consistently used as a baby girl's name throughout much of the 20th century in the United States, its popularity has varied over time. The name reached its peak usage between the mid-1940s and late 1950s before experiencing a decline in popularity thereafter.
It is fascinating to observe these trends and consider the factors that may have influenced them. Perhaps cultural influences such as literature, film, or popular culture played a role in the rise and fall of Kathleen's popularity. Additionally, it could be interesting to compare these statistics with those of other names from the same era to gain further insight into naming patterns during this period.