What does Kaitlin mean and where does it come from?
Kaitlin is an Anglicized variant of the Irish name Caitlín, which is a diminutive of Catherine. It has been widely used in Ireland and gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century. The name signifies purity and is often associated with several saints, including Saint Catherine of
Cultural significance
Kaitlin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #93 in 1994 — currently #4114 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Kaitlin right now?
Rising fast — up 843 spots — currently #4114 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4114 | 35 | ▲ up 843 · +30% births |
| 2024 | #4957 | 27 | ▼ down 3654 · -97% births |
| 2023 | #1303 | 897 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1308 | 877 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1313 | 847 | ▲ up 2076 · +1782% births |
| 2020 | #3389 | 45 | ▼ down 2049 · -75% births |
| 2015 | #1340 | 177 | ▼ down 678 · -60% births |
| 2010 | #662 | 441 | ▼ down 340 · -56% births |
| 2005 | #322 | 1,003 | ▼ down 164 · -53% births |
| 2000 | #158 | 2,136 | ▼ down 64 · -41% births |
| 1995 | #94 | 3,602 | ▲ up 7 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #101 | 3,472 | ▲ up 107 · +181% births |
| 1985 | #208 | 1,236 | ▲ up 849 · +816% births |
| 1980 | #1057 | 135 | ▲ up 2872 · +694% births |
| 1975 | #3929 | 17 | — |
The story of Kaitlin
Kaitlin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. Its peak popularity was #93 in 1994. A total of 57,271 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3929 in 1975 to #1303 in 2023. Kaitlin is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kaitlin in 1994:
Kaitlin by decade
Kaitlin peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 169 | |
| 1980s | 12,498 | |
| 1990s ★ | 30,850 | |
| 2000s | 11,654 | |
| 2010s | 2,055 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
What are good nicknames for Kaitlin?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
How is Kaitlin written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kaitlin?
Common questions about the name Kaitlin
What does the name Kaitlin mean?
Kaitlin means "Pure, clear" — 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 Kaitlin?
Kaitlin 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 Kaitlin?
Kaitlin 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 Kaitlin a common or rare name?
Kaitlin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Kaitlin more of a girl or boy name?
Kaitlin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.