name
Uncommon
Kathleen
KATH-leen
Kathleen (name) means a female given name of Irish origin, an anglicized form of Caitlín. Example: “Her grandmother, Kathleen, emigrated from Ireland in the 1950s.”
name
1
A female given name of Irish origin, an anglicized form of Caitlín.
"Her grandmother, Kathleen, emigrated from Ireland in the 1950s."
How to use Kathleen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn Irish-origin name that's an English version of Caitlín, ultimately related to Catherine.
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Her grandmother, _____, emigrated from Ireland in the 1950s.
Etymology
An English form of the Irish name Caitlín, which itself comes from Catherine.
Related words
Rhymes for Kathleen
See all rhymes for Kathleen →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kathleen” mean?
The word “Kathleen” means a female given name of Irish origin, an anglicized form of Caitlín. In plain terms, an Irish-origin name that's an English version of Caitlín, ultimately related to Catherine.
How do you pronounce “Kathleen”?
“Kathleen” is pronounced KATH-leen (/ˈkæθˌlin/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kathleen” in a sentence?
Here is “Kathleen” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother, Kathleen, emigrated from Ireland in the 1950s.”
What part of speech is “Kathleen”?
“Kathleen” is a name.
Where does the word “Kathleen” come from?
The word “Kathleen” comes from Irish. An English form of the Irish name Caitlín, which itself comes from Catherine.
Is “Kathleen” a common word?
“Kathleen” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the origin of the name Kathleen?
Kathleen is a female given name of Irish origin, functioning as the anglicized form of Caitlín. It entered English-speaking countries as Irish names were adapted into more familiar spellings.
What are common nicknames for Kathleen?
Kathleen is often shortened to Kathy or Kate in everyday use. These shorter forms are typically used informally among family and friends, while Kathleen remains the formal given name.
Is Kathleen the same name as Katherine?
Kathleen and Katherine are related but distinct names; Kathleen specifically derives from the Irish Caitlín, while Katherine has its own separate lineage. Both names can share nicknames like Kathy, which sometimes causes the two to be confused.
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