What does Caitlyn mean and where does it come from?
Caitlyn is a modern variant of the Irish Caitlín, which is a diminutive form of the name Catherine. It became popular in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century. The name continues to be widely used, particularly in the United States and Canada. Notable figures include Caitlyn Jenner, an
Cultural significance
Caitlyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #115 in 1998 — currently #1507 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caitlyn?
Caitlyn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caitlyn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caitlyn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caitlyn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caitlyn Claire
French influence · crisp
Caitlyn Jane
Literary · strong
Caitlyn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caitlyn right now?
Holding steady — currently #1507 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1507 | 693 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1512 | 673 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1517 | 643 | ▲ up 124 · +414% births |
| 2020 | #1641 | 125 | ▼ down 1041 · -75% births |
| 2015 | #600 | 493 | ▼ down 298 · -54% births |
| 2010 | #302 | 1,070 | ▼ down 120 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #182 | 1,897 | ▼ down 64 · -33% births |
| 2000 | #118 | 2,835 | ▲ up 20 · +23% births |
| 1995 | #138 | 2,301 | ▲ up 45 · +45% births |
| 1990 | #183 | 1,587 | ▲ up 352 · +325% births |
| 1985 | #535 | 373 | ▲ up 1798 · +788% births |
| 1980 | #2333 | 42 | ▲ up 3523 · +320% births |
| 1975 | #5856 | 10 | — |
The story of Caitlyn
Caitlyn is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. A total of 52,112 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5856 in 1975 to #1507 in 2023. Caitlyn is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Caitlyn in 1998:
Caitlyn by decade
Caitlyn peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 71 | |
| 1980s | 4,483 | |
| 1990s ★ | 22,000 | |
| 2000s | 19,790 | |
| 2010s | 5,638 | |
| 2020s | 125 | |
What are good nicknames for Caitlyn?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
Famous people named Caitlyn
C(
Caitlyn (Irish saint)
Caitlyn helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
C(
Caitlyn (Irish revolutionary)
Caitlyn carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
C(
Caitlyn (Irish poet or writer)
Caitlyn used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
C(
Caitlyn (Irish revolutionary)
Caitlyn carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Caitlyn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caitlyn also consider these
How is Caitlyn written in other languages?
Gender variants of Caitlyn
Common questions about the name Caitlyn
What does the name Caitlyn mean?
Caitlyn means "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 Caitlyn?
Caitlyn 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 Caitlyn?
Caitlyn 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.
Is Caitlyn a common or rare name?
Caitlyn is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Caitlyn more of a girl or boy name?
Caitlyn is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.