Kathleen is an Irish name meaning "of heavenly bodies" according to a name book that I have from when my kids were little. Other meanings include pure, chaste and sweet. It is the name that my parents bestowed on me when I was born. I have alternately loved it and hated it at the same time.
Why do I love it? I was named after my Grandmother's neighbour, Kathleen Hill. She was the most wonderful, sweetest English woman you could ever meet. I treasured her friendship, as did my Grandmother. She had a lovely sense of humour, and a gentle way about her but was incredibly intuitive. I also love the fact that it is Irish and makes me things of fairies and other fey beings. As a child, I had a hugely overactive imagination and the name suite me to a T.
What did I hate about my name? The only time, other than at school the first day, I was called Kathleen as a child was when I was in trouble. I always knew I was in for it when my mother started her sentence with Kathleen. I literally inwardly cringed, and still do, when people call me Kathleen. Try as I might to kick this, I cannot, lovely name or not.
In high school, my friends called me Kat. I like that. It was short and to the point. Most everyone calls me Kathy and I like that as well. Whether I am called Kat, Kathy or Kathleen I am now fine with them all now that I am an adult.
Hi, I like Kathleen as well. Not my name, but I have known several Kathleens and they were swell people. So very nice to be named after a grandma, too. My name is from several aunts (Both first and middle names). Being from the south, I am quite often called by both first and middle names. Ha. Best regards to you. Ruby Irene. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how many people I know that are called by their first and middle names, Grammy.
DeleteAs long as you're not called late for dinner, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I was called Cat. I think that's the coolest nickname ever.
My name too! :) With the same cringe you have, I don't mind Kathleen except when someone has a tone. So I prefer Kate.
ReplyDeleteI quilt too. We should connect https://www.facebook.com/kathleenomara
Kate
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I think Kathleen is a beautiful name with a precious meaning! I invented my daughter's middle name Katiana, which is Kathryn and Anna together. Just stopping by from the Challenge...
ReplyDeleteI always liked that nickname, Cat.
DeleteI know that tone well, Kate.
Your daughter's name is lovely, Jarm.