Caitlin

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Caitlin

Gender Girl
Origin Celtic
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation kayt-lin

Caitlin, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Caitlin

Virginal beauty

Caitlin is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic phrase “cath luain” which means “pure” or “clear”. It is sometimes translated to mean “pure beauty” or “pure joy”.

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Meaning Virginal beauty
Origin Celtic
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #609 in 2015 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 80s name

Background & History of The Name Caitlin

The name Caitlin is of Irish origin and is a variant of the Gaelic name Caitlín, which is the Irish form of Katherine. The name has a long history and is particularly popular in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. Caitlin is derived from the Greek name Aikaterinē, meaning "pure," and has been used as a given name for centuries.

Those with the name Caitlin are often described as independent, confident, and creative individuals. People with this name are known for their intelligence and their ability to adapt to new situations. They are sociable and have a flair for making meaningful connections with others. Caitlins are often driven by a strong sense of purpose and are not afraid to take risks to achieve their goals.

Caitlin has various spellings, including Kaitlyn, Caitlyn, and Katelyn. These alternate spellings gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. Some parents chose to use unique variations such as Kaitlinn or Kaytlyn.

The name Caitlin first gained significant attention in the 1970s and 1980s and continued to rise in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. It reached its peak ranking as the 32nd most popular name for girls born in the United States in 1999. However, its popularity has since declined, and it is now less commonly used.

In popular culture, Caitlin appears in various forms, including books, movies, and TV shows. Notable figures with the name Caitlin include Caitlin Moran, a British journalist and author, and Caitlin Fitzgerald, an American actress. The name has a timeless charm and continues to be treasured by those who bear it.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Caitlin over the years.

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Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Caitlin.

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