Cait

“Derived from 'Catherine', meaning 'pure'”

Irish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#15729US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

140All-time births

📅 Since 200000

How to pronounce Cait

KAH·it

/ˈkɑ.ɪt/ · stress on KAH · 2 syllables

“Derived from 'Catherine', meaning 'pure'”

Irish origin · Girl name

What does Cait mean and where does it come from?

Cait is a short form of the name Caitlin and has roots in the Irish name Caitlín, which ultimately stems from the Latin 'Katharina'. The name's meaning refers to purity. It has been frequently used in Irish and Scottish cultures and has gained popularity in the English-speaking world. Caitlyn and Ca

Cultural significance

Cait has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from 'catherine', meaning 'pure'.

Peak popularity

Reached #7463 in 2005 — currently #15729 in the US.

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How else can you spell Cait?

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

Kait

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Cait?

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

Cait Grace

How popular is Cait right now?

Falling — down 4419 spots — currently #15729 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2022#15729 · Top 12%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#15729	5	▼ down 4419 · -37% births
2021	#11310	8	▲ up 2483 · +14% births
2015	#13793	7	▲ up 4635 · +40% births
2010	#18428	5	▼ down 10965 · -69% births
2005	#7463	16	▲ up 9694 · +220% births
2000	#17157	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cait

Best Year2005Rank #7463

Peak Count16

Average Rank#13980

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20226 years

The story of Cait

Cait is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2000. With 140 total births recorded, Cait remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #17157 in 2000 to #15729 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Cait in 2005:

Emily Emma Madison Abigail Olivia

💎Cait has only 140 total recorded births since 2000 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cait?

Common

CaitieCaity

Famous people named Cait

Cait (Irish poet or writer)

Cait used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Cait (Irish saint)

Cait helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

Cait (Irish poet or writer)

Cait used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Cait (Irish revolutionary)

Cait carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

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What names sound and feel like Cait?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cait also consider these

Arabic · A Arabic name

Irish · from 'Caile', meaning

Common questions about the name Cait

What does the name Cait mean?

Cait means "Derived from 'Catherine', meaning 'pure'" — 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 Cait?

Cait is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Cait?

Cait 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 do you pronounce the name Cait?

Cait is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Cait a common or rare name?

Cait is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.