Kailin

“Slender; narrow.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 12% boys♀ 88% girls

#8566US 2023

9Births / yr

↑Rising

1.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 198100

What does Kailin mean and where does it come from?

Kailin has multiple origins. In Ireland, it derives from the word 'caol', meaning 'slender' or 'narrow', often used to convey beauty. In Chinese, the name can mean 'beautiful jade' (美玉), emphasizing preciousness. Both meanings reflect appreciation of beauty and grace, making Kailin a popular choice

Cultural significance

Kailin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender; narrow..

Peak popularity

Reached #2354 in 1997 — currently #8566 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kailin?

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

Kailin Grace

How popular is Kailin right now?

Rising fast — up 1749 spots — currently #8566 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#8566 · Top 6.3%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8566	9	▲ up 1749 · +29% births
2022	#10315	7	▼ down 78
2021	#10237	7	▼ down 2180 · -46% births
2020	#8057	13	▼ down 1938 · -38% births
2015	#6119	21	▼ down 2274 · -47% births
2010	#3845	40	▲ up 241 · +14% births
2005	#4086	35	▼ down 1423 · -37% births
2000	#2663	56	▲ up 256 · +37% births
1995	#2919	41	▲ up 1443 · +78% births
1990	#4362	23	▲ up 2559 · +130% births
1985	#6921	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kailin

Best Year2000Rank #2663

Peak Count56

Average Rank#6190

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Kailin

Kailin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1981. With 1,301 total births recorded, Kailin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6921 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8566 in 2023. Kailin is used for both genders: 88% female and 12% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kailin in 1997:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Hannah

Kailin by decade

Kailin peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	99
1990s	407
2000s ★	497
2010s	279
2020s	19

💎With 1,301 total births, Kailin is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kailin?

Common

KaiKailKailieKailyIlin

What names sound and feel like Kailin?

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

Ireland · A variant of

Kairin

Japanese · Sea, ocean

Kaelin

Irish · slender, fair, or

Kallin

American · Derived from 'Cailín',

Karlin

Slavic countries · free man

Common questions about the name Kailin

What does the name Kailin mean?

Kailin means "Slender; narrow." — 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 Kailin?

Kailin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kailin have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kailin?

Kailin 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.

Is Kailin trending right now?

Kailin is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Kailin a common or rare name?

Kailin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.