Kathreen is a unique and beautiful name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name "Caitriona," which is a feminine form of "Caoimhín," meaning "gentle" or "gracious." The name Kathreen has been passed down through generations in Ireland, with its roots dating back to ancient Gaelic times.
Throughout history, the name Kathreen has been associated with several notable figures. One such figure was Caitriona of Kildare, a 6th-century Irish saint who is believed to have founded the monastery at Kildare. Another famous bearer of this name was Caitriona Maguire, an Irish actress known for her roles in films such as "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" and "In Bruges."
Today, Kathreen remains a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its Irish origins give it a unique cultural heritage, while its meaning of "gentle" or "gracious" imbues it with positive qualities. Overall, Kathreen is a lovely name that carries with it a rich history and a beautiful meaning.
The name Kathreen has been given to a total of 372 babies in the United States since 1912, according to available records. The name's popularity fluctuated over the years, with peaks and troughs in different decades.
In the early 20th century, Kathreen was given to between five and nine babies each year from 1912 to 1925, with a brief spike of twelve births in 1922. The name's popularity appeared to decline thereafter, with fewer than ten births recorded annually until the mid-1940s.
The post-World War II era saw a resurgence in the use of Kathreen as a baby name, with between five and twelve babies being given the name each year from 1947 to 1953. The name remained relatively popular throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with annual birth counts ranging from five to twelve.
However, starting in the late 1960s, Kathreen's popularity began to decline once again. From 1978 onwards, fewer than ten babies were given the name each year, with some years seeing as few as five births.
Despite this long-term decline in popularity, Kathreen is still a unique and uncommon name today, with a total of 372 individuals sharing it across multiple generations in the United States.