Cathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name "Caitlín," which is in turn composed of the elements "cath" meaning "battle" and "fhionn" meaning "fair-haired." Thus, Cathleen can be interpreted to mean "fair-headed warrior woman."
The name Cathleen has a rich history in Irish literature and culture. It was popularized by the poet Thomas Moore in his work "Irish Melodies," where he wrote a song called "Oft in the Silenest Hours of Night" addressed to Cathleen ni Houlihan, an allegorical figure representing Ireland itself. This further cemented the name's association with Irish nationalism and independence.
In terms of its usage, Cathleen was most common in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many Irish immigrants brought their cultural traditions with them to America. Today, it is still predominantly used in English-speaking countries but has become somewhat less common than its variant spellings such as Kathleen or Catherine.
Overall, Cathleen remains a name of considerable historical and cultural significance, embodying strength, beauty, and a deep connection to Irish heritage.
According to statistical data from the United States, the name Cathleen was given to five girls born in 1953 and another five girls born in 1964. This means that a total of ten girls were named Cathleen during those two years combined.