I don't here too many kids being called Kathy these days. I also work with a Kathleen (upper 40's) who is never called anything but Kathleen. As the mom of a true Kate (full name) who did not want her daughter to be a Katie, you can control that to any extent by specifying Kathleen (not Kathy) when you start filling out forms for classes etc and correcting those in you immediate circle if that for the short form.

My full name is Kathleen, but I go by (and always have) Kate. Nobody has ever called me Kathy.

I love that name and if you and your family call her Kathleen everyone will call her Kathleen. I knew two women in college that were both called Kathleen. They were both smart, pretty women.

I like it! Finally a normal name on here!

My mom's name was Kathleen, my cousin's name is Kathleen, my niece's name is Kathleen and my daughter's middle name is Kathleen. Mom went by Kathy, cousin went by Kathleen, niece goes by Kathleen or Leeny. (daughter doesn't use it.)

You can influence which nickname sticks. (Katy? Leeny?) I personally feel like Kathy is too old for a little kid, so I understand your hesitation.

What's wrong with Kathy?

OP here--- Thanks everyone for the feedback! Really appreciate it. Also, LOL re: the PP who noted it was silly to clarify that "Kathleen" is a girl's name--- we COULD have the "Cary" discussion all over again if people are up for it!

Anonymous wrote:Why would Kathleen be more likely to be shortened to Kathy than Katherine? I feel like you can determine the nickname equally with both.

I know 1 Kathleen (in her 30s) and she goes by Kathleen.

+1 It's a perfectly lovely name, OP. Nickname her how you want and it will stick. I personally don't care if "Kate" is a dime a dozen - I love the name too. It is timeless, classic and elegant. I will be gunning for Katherine/Kate if I have a girl!!

The only Kathleen I know goes by Katie and she's 28.

It's unusual unless you are a kid from the 70's (I am) and knew lots of Kathleens who went by Kathleen. I don't recall a Kate or Katy of the bunch. the "Kathy's" were usually Catherine's who shortened it to Cathy.

I know lots of Kathleens that go by Kate or Katie. I'm Catholic though.

I know Kathleens who go by Kathleen and those who go by Kathy. It's not inevitable. I like the name.

My MIL was a Kathleen that went by Kathy, but I don't think that will automatically happen. I know lots of Michaels that go by Mike and others that go by Michael. If you are consistent with calling her Kathleen, it will stick.

I know 2 Kathleens who go by Kathleen and 1 Kathleen who goes by Kathy.

But, really, even if 95% of Kathleens went by Kathy, that wouldn't mean your Kathleen had to, any more than all Michaels must go by Mike or all Matthews must go by Matt.

I know about 4 Kathleens. They all go by Kathleen.