Caitlín

pure — from Caitlín
Irish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1945US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile
How to pronounce Caitlín
kaht-leen
/kaht-leen/ · · 1 syllable
pure — from Caitlín
Irish origin · Girl name

What does Caitlín mean and where does it come from?

Caitlín is a diminutive form of the name Catherine, which derives from the Greek 'katharos', meaning pure.

Cultural significance
Caitlín is a traditional Irish name and has been popular in Ireland for centuries, often associated with saints and historical figures.
Peak popularity
Reached #1945 in 2015 — currently #1945 in the US.
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Related Reading
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How else can you spell Caitlín?

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

What middle names flow best with Caitlín?

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

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

How popular is Caitlín right now?

Holding steady — currently #1945 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1945 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#194510stable
2022#194510stable
2021#194510stable
2020#194510stable
2019#194510
💎Caitlín 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 Caitlín?

BULGARIAN
Katerina
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
CZECH
Katka
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine

Famous people named Caitlín

CN
Caitlín Ní Chuilleanáin
An Irish poet and academic known for her contributions to contemporary Irish literature.
CM
Caitlín Maude
A prominent Irish actress, singer, and activist known for her work in Irish language theatre.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Caitlín

What does the name Caitlín mean?
Caitlín means "pure — from Caitlín" — 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 Caitlín?
Caitlín 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 Caitlín?
Caitlín 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 Caitlín sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Caitlín flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Caitlín ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Caitlín more of a girl or boy name?
Caitlín is primarily used as a girl name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.