Kathleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Caitlín," which consists of the elements "catha" meaning "battle" and "lin" meaning "little." Thus, Kathleen means "small warrior woman."
The name Kathleen has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several notable figures, including Kathleen Kenyon, a renowned British archaeologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the ancient Near East, and Kathleen Thompson Wills, an American social worker and suffragist who played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement.
The name gained further popularity through literature and media. It is the title character in the novel "Kathleen" by Mary Lavin, and it was also used as a character name in various works such as the musical "My Fair Lady" and the television series "Gilmore Girls."
Overall, Kathleen is a strong, historic name with a powerful meaning that has been carried through generations by remarkable individuals.
According to statistical data from the United States, the name Kathleen experienced a consistent popularity during the late 1950s. In each year between 1957 and 1959, there were 6 births registered with the name Kathleen. This resulted in a total of 18 newborn girls being named Kathleen over these three years.