What does Katlyn mean and where does it come from?
Katlyn is a modern variant of Caitlyn, which is rooted in the Irish name Caitlín. It became popular in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. Variations of the name, such as Caitlin, Kaitlyn, and Katelyn, also exist. The name is often associated with purity and innocence.
Cultural significance
Katlyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #223 in 1995 — currently #8612 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Katlyn?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Katlyn right now?
Falling — down 3084 spots — currently #8612 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8612 | 12 | ▼ down 3084 · -48% births |
| 2024 | #5528 | 23 | ▼ down 4406 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1122 | 1,078 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1127 | 1,058 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1132 | 1,028 | ▲ up 7939 · +9245% births |
| 2020 | #9071 | 11 | ▼ down 5795 · -78% births |
| 2015 | #3276 | 50 | ▼ down 1735 · -66% births |
| 2010 | #1541 | 145 | ▼ down 921 · -68% births |
| 2005 | #620 | 457 | ▼ down 290 · -53% births |
| 2000 | #330 | 963 | ▼ down 107 · -24% births |
| 1995 | #223 | 1,260 | ▲ up 120 · +62% births |
| 1990 | #343 | 778 | ▲ up 712 · +452% births |
| 1985 | #1055 | 141 | ▲ up 4851 · +1075% births |
| 1980 | #5906 | 12 | — |
The story of Katlyn
Katlyn is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. A total of 18,359 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5906 in 1980 to #1122 in 2023. Katlyn is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Katlyn in 1995:
Katlyn by decade
Katlyn peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 7 | |
| 1980s | 1,922 | |
| 1990s ★ | 10,718 | |
| 2000s | 5,078 | |
| 2010s | 623 | |
| 2020s | 46 | |
What are good nicknames for Katlyn?
CROATIAN
InaKataKateKaticaTina
DANISH
CajaCarinaInaKajaKarenKarinKarinaKatjaTrine
How is Katlyn written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Katlyn?
Common questions about the name Katlyn
What does the name Katlyn mean?
Katlyn 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 Katlyn?
Katlyn 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 Katlyn?
Katlyn 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.
How do you pronounce the name Katlyn?
Katlyn is a two-syllable name pronounced KATL-IN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Katlyn a common or rare name?
Katlyn is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.