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Summary

Kathleen is of Irish origin and means 'pure'. It evolved from Caitlín, a diminutive of the Old French Cateline, which traces back to the Greek Aikaterine. The name has been popular since the 19th century, especially in Irish cultures. It is associated with traits of elegance and tradition, and it does not have a direct biblical relevance. Notable individuals with this name include Kathleen Turner, Kathleen Kennedy, and Kathleen Sebelius.

The name Kathleen is most popular in Massachusetts, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kathleen has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kathleen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4055th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1531st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1253rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2025th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4136th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 102nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 43rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 16th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 50th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 93rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 306th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 893rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kathleen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.