Kathleen

Kathleen is a traditional Irish and Scottish female given name. It is also used as a surname, particularly in Ireland and other parts of the British Isles. The name Kathleen is of Gaelic origin, derived from the name CaitlĂ­n, itself a form of Katherine.

In the British Isles, the name Kathleen became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is often associated with attributes such as purity, kindness, and beauty. Famous bearers of the name include Kathleen Kennedy, an American film producer, and Kathleen Turner, a well-known actress.

The surname Kathleen is relatively rare and is often used as a first name in contemporary times. Despite its uncommon usage as a surname, Kathleen carries with it a sense of heritage and tradition, particularly in regions with strong Celtic influences such as Ireland and Scotland.

There are approximately 33 people named Kathleen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Kathleen.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Elkin
  • Mathews
  • Randall
  • Scott
  • Spence

Female

  • Holmes
  • Irvine
  • Nuala

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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