Caitlin

“pure”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1160US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

112kAll-time births

📅 Since 1955🏆 17 years in top 1000.41% of births at peak

How to pronounce Caitlin

KAH·itl·IN

/ˈkɑ.ɪtl.ˈɪn/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables

“pure”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Caitlin mean and where does it come from?

Caitlin is a traditional Gaelic name that has been very popular in both Ireland and Scotland. The name is derived from the Irish form 'Caitlín,' which is a diminutive of 'Catherine.' It first appeared in the early Middle Ages and has seen various spellings, including 'Caitlin,' 'Kaitlin,' and 'Katli

Cultural significance

Caitlin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.

Peak popularity

Reached #44 in 1988 — currently #1160 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Caitlin?

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

What middle names flow best with Caitlin?

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

Caitlin Grace

How popular is Caitlin right now?

Holding steady — currently #1160 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#1160 · Top 0.86%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1160	1,040	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1165	1,020	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1170	990	▲ up 628 · +808% births
2020	#1798	109	▼ down 1189 · -77% births
2015	#609	477	▼ down 269 · -49% births
2010	#340	944	▼ down 147 · -47% births
2005	#193	1,777	▼ down 117 · -57% births
2000	#76	4,102	▲ up 5 · -6% births
1995	#81	4,381	▼ down 31 · -38% births
1990	#50	7,026	▲ up 27 · +95% births
1985	#77	3,606	▲ up 288 · +456% births
1980	#365	649	▲ up 853 · +583% births
1975	#1218	95	▼ down 52 · -5% births
1970	#1166	100	▲ up 862 · +194% births
1965	#2028	34	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Caitlin

Best Year1990Rank #50

Peak Count7,026

Average Rank#1261

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1955 - 202317 years

The story of Caitlin

Caitlin entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. Its peak popularity was #44 in 1988. More than 111,982 babies have been named Caitlin since 1955. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6597 in 1955 to #1160 in 2023. Caitlin is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Caitlin in 1988:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Sarah Jennifer

Caitlin by decade

Caitlin peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	46
1960s	411
1970s	1,281
1980s	33,769
1990s ★	49,127
2000s	22,311
2010s	4,928
2020s	109

What are good nicknames for Caitlin?

BULGARIAN

Katerina

CROATIAN

InaKataKateKaticaTina

CZECH

Katka

DANISH

CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine

What names sound and feel like Caitlin?

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

How is Caitlin written in other languages?

Gender variants of Caitlin

Cătălin ROMANIAN Keila ENGLISH Shayla ENGLISH Tayla ENGLISH Ketevan GEORGIAN Keti GEORGIAN Keto GEORGIAN Hekate GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Common questions about the name Caitlin

What does the name Caitlin mean?

Caitlin 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 Caitlin?

Caitlin 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 Caitlin?

Caitlin 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.

How do you pronounce the name Caitlin?

Caitlin is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 IH0 T L IH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Caitlin?

Caitlin 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.