Cailín

girl, young woman
Irish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1918US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Cailín mean and where does it come from?

Cailín is derived from the Irish word 'cailín', meaning 'girl' or 'young woman'.

Cultural significance
In Irish culture, 'cailín' is often used affectionately to refer to a girl or young woman, reflecting a sense of endearment.
Peak popularity
Reached #1918 in 2015 — currently #1918 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Cailín?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Cailín?

Cailín works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cailín Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Cailín Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cailín Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Cailín Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Cailín Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Cailín Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Cailín
Browse ideas →

How popular is Cailín right now?

Holding steady — currently #1918 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1918 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#191810stable
2022#191810stable
2021#191810stable
2020#191810stable
2019#191810
💎Cailín is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Cailín?

Common
CaiCaieCay

Common questions about the name Cailín

What does the name Cailín mean?
Cailín means "girl, young woman" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Cailín?
Cailín is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cailín?
Cailín originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Cailín sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cailín flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cailín ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Cailín more of a girl or boy name?
Cailín is primarily used as a girl name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.