What does Catelyn mean and where does it come from?
Catelyn is a variation of the name Caitlin, which originates from the Irish name Caitlín, itself derived from Catherine. It means 'pure' or 'clear'. The name gained significant popularity from the 'Game of Thrones' series with the character Catelyn Stark. The earliest recorded use in this form appea
Cultural significance
Catelyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure..
Peak popularity
Reached #1882 in 2000 — currently #9822 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Catelyn?
Catelyn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Catelyn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Catelyn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Catelyn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Catelyn Claire
French influence · crisp
Catelyn Jane
Literary · strong
Catelyn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Catelyn right now?
Falling — down 1250 spots — currently #9822 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #9822 | 10 | ▼ down 1250 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #8572 | 12 | ▼ down 503 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #8069 | 13 | ▼ down 4702 · -73% births |
| 2015 | #3367 | 48 | ▼ down 1240 · -48% births |
| 2010 | #2127 | 93 | ▼ down 205 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #1922 | 101 | ▼ down 40 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #1882 | 91 | ▲ up 215 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #2097 | 65 | ▲ up 339 · +27% births |
| 1990 | #2436 | 51 | ▲ up 1181 · +113% births |
| 1985 | #3617 | 24 | — |
The story of Catelyn
Catelyn is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 2,266 total births recorded, Catelyn remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3617 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9822 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Catelyn in 2000:
Catelyn by decade
Catelyn peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 172 | |
| 1990s | 663 | |
| 2000s ★ | 918 | |
| 2010s | 500 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎With 2,266 total births, Catelyn is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Catelyn?
What names sound and feel like Catelyn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Catelyn also consider these
Common questions about the name Catelyn
What does the name Catelyn mean?
Catelyn means "Pure." — a name rooted in American 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 Catelyn?
Catelyn is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Catelyn?
Catelyn originates from American tradition. American 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 Catelyn?
Catelyn pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Catelyn a common or rare name?
Catelyn is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.