What does Caitriona mean and where does it come from?
Caitriona is an Irish and Scottish Gaelic name, a variant of Catherine, which derives from the Greek 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. It has been used in Ireland for centuries and remains popular among Irish families. Notable people include Caitriona Balfe, an Irish actress and model.
Cultural significance
Caitriona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #6393 in 1999 — currently #15355 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Caitriona?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Caitriona?
Caitriona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caitriona Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Caitriona Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Caitriona Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Caitriona Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Caitriona Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Caitriona Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Caitriona right now?
Falling — down 2949 spots — currently #15355 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #15355 | 5 | ▼ down 2949 · -29% births |
| 2024 | #12406 | 7 | ▼ down 3247 · -36% births |
| 2022 | #9159 | 11 | ▲ up 6529 · +120% births |
| 2021 | #15688 | 5 | ▼ down 5940 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #9748 | 11 | ▼ down 588 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #9160 | 12 | ▼ down 2125 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #7035 | 15 | ▲ up 4311 · +114% births |
| 1995 | #11346 | 7 | — |
The story of Caitriona
Caitriona is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1987. With 237 total births recorded, Caitriona remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11346 in 1995 to #9159 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Caitriona in 1999:
Caitriona by decade
Caitriona peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 8 | |
| 1990s | 66 | |
| 2000s ★ | 97 | |
| 2010s | 66 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Caitriona has only 237 total recorded births since 1987 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Caitriona?
What names sound and feel like Caitriona?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caitriona also consider these
Common questions about the name Caitriona
What does the name Caitriona mean?
Caitriona 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 Caitriona?
Caitriona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Caitriona have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Caitriona?
Caitriona 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 Caitriona?
Caitriona is a four-syllable name pronounced KEYE-TREYE-un-AH. 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 Caitriona?
Caitriona 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.