What does Caitilin mean and where does it come from?
Caitilin is an Irish name, a variant of Caitlin, which is derived from the French name Catherine. The name was first recorded in Ireland in the 12th century. Caitilin represents a diminutive form and is popular in Ireland and among Irish communities elsewhere. Variations of the name include Caitlín
Cultural significance
Caitilin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #10787 in 1987 — currently #1277 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caitilin?
Caitilin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caitilin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caitilin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caitilin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caitilin Claire
French influence · crisp
Caitilin Jane
Literary · strong
Caitilin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caitilin right now?
Holding steady — currently #1277 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1277 | 923 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1282 | 903 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1287 | 873 | ▲ up 11195 · +14450% births |
| 1995 | #12482 | 6 | ▲ up 1569 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #14051 | 5 | — |
The story of Caitilin
Caitilin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 36 total births recorded, Caitilin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14051 in 1990 to #1277 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Caitilin in 1987:
Caitilin by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s ★ | 11 | |
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 9 | |
💎Caitilin has only 36 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Caitilin?
Common
CaiCaitCaitieCaityIlin
What names sound and feel like Caitilin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caitilin also consider these
Common questions about the name Caitilin
What does the name Caitilin mean?
Caitilin means "pure" — 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 Caitilin?
Caitilin 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 Caitilin?
Caitilin 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.
What sibling names go well with Caitilin?
Caitilin pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Caitilin a common or rare name?
Caitilin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.