What does Caileen mean and where does it come from?
Caileen is a variant of the name 'Cailín', which means 'girl' in Irish Gaelic. It is often associated with youthful charm and is predominantly used in Ireland and parts of Scotland. The name has been increasingly popular in English-speaking countries and is viewed as a versatile name suitable for mo
Cultural significance
Caileen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #8364 in 1988 — currently #1476 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caileen?
Caileen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caileen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caileen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caileen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caileen Claire
French influence · crisp
Caileen Jane
Literary · strong
Caileen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caileen right now?
Holding steady — currently #1476 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1476 | 724 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1481 | 704 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1486 | 674 | ▲ up 9298 · +6640% births |
| 2010 | #10784 | 10 | ▲ up 1733 · +43% births |
| 2000 | #12517 | 7 | ▼ down 3169 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #9348 | 9 | ▲ up 5187 · +80% births |
| 1990 | #14535 | 5 | — |
The story of Caileen
Caileen is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 139 total births recorded, Caileen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14535 in 1990 to #1476 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Caileen in 1988:
Caileen by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 9 | |
| 1990s ★ | 62 | |
| 2000s | 38 | |
| 2010s | 30 | |
💎Caileen has only 139 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Caileen?
Common
CaiCailCailieCailyIleen
What names sound and feel like Caileen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caileen also consider these
Common questions about the name Caileen
What does the name Caileen mean?
Caileen means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Caileen?
Caileen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Caileen?
Caileen originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Caileen a common or rare name?
Caileen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Caileen?
Caileen naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.