Cathleen Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Cathleen
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name CATHLEEN. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Cathleen
Gender
Female
Origin
Irish
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
Cathleen is an Irish feminine name meaning 'pure.' It represents a traditional yet accessible form of Catherine that maintains strong connections to Irish heritage and cultural identity.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Cathleen
Cathleen Nesbitt
Actress
Renowned British actress known for her stage career and role in the film 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'
Cathleen Synge Morawetz
Mathematician
Canadian mathematician known for her work on partial differential equations and first female president of the American Mathematical Society
Cathleen Falsani
Journalist/Author
Award-winning religion journalist and author of several books on faith and spirituality
Cathleen Black
Media Executive
Former president of Hearst Magazines and first female publisher of a weekly consumer magazine
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The name's popularity surged during the Irish diaspora, particularly in America, where immigrant families often chose it to maintain cultural connections while adapting to their new environment. Throughout the 20th century, Cathleen became associated with traditional Irish values of faith, family, and resilience. While its usage has declined in recent decades, it remains a name that evokes strong cultural memories and represents a specific era in Irish and Irish-American naming practices. The name continues to carry connotations of Irish heritage, Catholic tradition, and the enduring spirit of Irish women throughout history.
Extended Personality Analysis
Women named Cathleen are typically associated with a blend of traditional warmth and quiet strength. They often possess a natural grace and dignity that draws others to them, combined with practical intelligence and emotional depth. Cathleens are frequently described as having strong moral convictions and a clear sense of right and wrong, reflecting the name's meaning of 'pure.' They tend to be loyal friends and devoted family members who value deep, meaningful relationships over casual acquaintances. Their Irish heritage often manifests in a quick wit, storytelling ability, and social charm that makes them excellent communicators.
In professional and personal settings, Cathleens are often seen as reliable, organized individuals who approach challenges with both creativity and common sense. They typically exhibit a balance between traditional values and modern adaptability, making them effective in both conservative and progressive environments. While they may appear reserved at first meeting, they reveal rich inner lives and strong passions to those they trust. The name suggests someone who maintains their integrity under pressure and possesses the resilience to overcome adversity. Their combination of emotional intelligence, cultural pride, and personal integrity makes Cathleens natural leaders and trusted confidantes in their communities.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Cathleen has transitioned from a popular first name choice to a more traditional, occasionally vintage selection. While it reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly within Irish-American communities, current usage shows it appearing less frequently for newborns and more often as a middle name honoring family heritage. The name maintains a presence in Ireland and among diaspora communities who value its clear Irish identity and classic sound. Modern parents who choose Cathleen often do so to honor family traditions or express cultural pride, appreciating its familiar yet distinctive quality. While it doesn't rank highly on current baby name charts, it occasionally experiences small revivals when vintage names come back into fashion. The name's decline in popularity has made it more distinctive for those who do choose it, ensuring that modern Cathleens often appreciate the unique cultural heritage their name represents.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Cathleen represents the ideal of purity in its broadest sense—not just physical purity, but clarity of intention, moral integrity, and spiritual transparency. The name evokes images of clean water, clear light, and unspoiled nature, suggesting someone who brings clarity and truth to any situation. In Irish cultural context, it also symbolizes national identity and feminine strength, drawing from its association with Cathleen Ni Houlihan as the personification of Ireland. The name carries connotations of wisdom that comes from simplicity and the power of authenticity in a complex world. It represents the human capacity for renewal and transformation, much like the mythical Cathleen who transforms from aged woman to youthful queen. The symbolic meaning extends to include the idea of cultural preservation and the transmission of values across generations, making it a name that connects personal identity with broader historical and cultural narratives.