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Katheleen

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Katheleen

Pronounced kath-uh-LEEN /kæθ.əˈliːn/Medium

Meaning: Katheleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, the anglicized Irish form (Caitlín) of Katherine, from the Greek name usually understood as 'pure'. The extra e reflects the sound; Katheleen carries Kathleen's meaning.Medium

In 30 seconds: Katheleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, the Irish form of Katherine ('pure'). A vintage American rarity, it peaked faintly around 1952 (said 'kath-uh-LEEN').

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Origin MediumIrish, Greek

MeaningKatheleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, the anglicized Irish form (Caitlín) of Katherine, from the Greek name usually understood as 'pure'. The extra e reflects the sound; Katheleen carries Kathleen's meaning.

U.S. rank (2008)#18984 ↘ Falling

2008 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1952

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,230

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Katheleen is a variant spelling of Kathleen, the anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, itself from Katherine — a Greek name traditionally read as 'pure'. The inserted e reflects how the name sounds; such phonetic respellings of popular names were common in the mid-twentieth century, when Kathleen was widely loved.

It was always rare in this spelling — a few dozen girls a year at its faint peak around 1952 — while the standard Kathleen carried the name's real popularity. It reads as a minor variant of a mid-century favorite; parents chose Kathleen or Katherine, and Katheleen has stayed obscure.

Did you know? Kathleen, the name behind Katheleen, comes from the Irish Caitlín — and the old song 'I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen' helped make it a beloved American name.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Katheleen — variant of Kathleen (Irish Caitlín, from Katherine 'pure')

Variations

KathleenCathleenKathaleen

Nicknames

KathyKate

Famous Bearers

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If you like Katheleen…

Kathleen— the standard spelling of the very same name and meaning

Cathleen— a near-twin spelling of the Irish Katherine form

Colleen— a fellow Irish-flavored -een girls' name of the era

Maureen— another mid-century Irish-rooted -een name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Katheleen mean?

Katheleen is a variant of Kathleen, the Irish form of Katherine, traditionally understood to mean 'pure'.

How do you pronounce Katheleen?

It's said kath-uh-LEEN /kæθ.əˈliːn/ — three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Katheleen a boy or girl name?

Katheleen is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Katheleen?

Katheleen is a rare variant spelling in the U.S.; Kathleen is far more common.