Kathleen: name meaning, origin and pronunciation

Meaning disputedAwaiting scholar review

کیتھلین

Caitlín

The meaning of Kathleen (کیتھلین) is disputed: the sources do not settle it. It is used as a Christian girl’s name. The details are below.

Kathleen at a glance

Meaning: Meaning disputed
Gender: Girl
Origin: Greek
Faith: Christian
Say it: kath-leen
Syllables: 2
Letters: 8
First letter: K · ک

Origin and history of Kathleen

Meaning disputed

The Irish form of Catherine, whose origin is unknown though it was long linked with Greek katharos, pure.

Base wordIrish Caitlín, form of Catherine

The word is real, but sources or popular claims disagree about the name. Each reading is shown with its source.

How to say and write Kathleen

Say it: kath-leen2 syllables · Audio recordings coming later
English: Kathleen
Urdu: کیتھلین
Original script: Caitlín
Other spellings: Cathleen
Themes: Virtue

Sibling names for Kathleen

Christian boy names that share a theme, origin or first letter with Kathleen.

Names like Kathleen

Names that sound like Kathleen

Questions about the name Kathleen

What does the name Kathleen mean?

We found no entry for Kathleen in the classical dictionaries we use, so we give no meaning rather than repeat an unsourced one.

Is Kathleen a boy’s or a girl’s name?

Kathleen is a girl’s name.

Is Kathleen a Christian name?

Yes. Kathleen is used by Christian families. It is of Greek origin. The Irish form of Catherine, whose origin is unknown though it was long linked with Greek katharos, pure.

How do you pronounce Kathleen?

Say it “kath-leen”: 2 syllables.

How do you write Kathleen in Urdu?

In Urdu script, Kathleen is written کیتھلین. In its original script: Caitlín.

What are other spellings of Kathleen?

Kathleen is also spelled Cathleen.

Is the meaning of Kathleen verified?

Meaning disputed. The word is real, but sources or popular claims disagree about the name. Each reading is shown with its source. Every entry on Naam is still a draft awaiting review by a named scholar.