Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Caitlín," which itself comes from the Old English personal name "Cædwyn." The name Cædwyn is composed of two elements: "cad," meaning battle, and "win," meaning friend or joy. Therefore, Kathleen means " batailleux ou joyeux," or "battle-joyful."
The name Kathleen has a rich history in Irish literature and folklore. It was the name of several characters in Irish mythology, including Kathleen ni Mhoirheartaich, a famous seanchaí (storyteller) who lived in the 16th century. The name also appears in the works of many prominent Irish writers, such as William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney.
Today, Kathleen is still a popular given name in Ireland and among people of Irish descent around the world. It is often shortened to Kate or Katie, but it can also be spelled variations like Caitlin, Katelyn, or Kathleen. Despite its roots in Irish history and literature, Kathleen has been adopted by many cultures as a unisex name that carries with it a sense of strength, joy, and tradition.
The name Kathleen has been a popular choice among parents in the United States since the mid-20th century. Between 1944 and 1970, there were a total of 134 babies named Kathleen born each year.
The popularity of the name varied over time, with peaks in certain years. The highest number of Kathleen births occurred in 1955, with 11 babies given this name. This was closely followed by 12 births in 1956 and 10 births in 1961.
Interestingly, there were five consecutive years between 1944 and 1948 where exactly five babies named Kathleen were born each year. This suggests that the name may have been particularly fashionable during this period.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Kathleen has been a consistent choice among parents in the United States over several decades, with varying levels of popularity over time.