Caitlin

What does the baby name Caitlin mean? Learn about what Caitlin means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Caitlin - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Caitlin
C-A-I-T-L-I-N, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Caitlin
kayt lin
KOIT leen
Meaning of Caitlin
Pure, chaste.
Origin of Caitlin
'Caitlin' is a name that originated in Ireland. Its earliest known use can be traced back to the Irish Gaelic name 'Caitlín'. The name Caitlín is the Irish form of the name Catherine, which itself has roots in the Greek name Aikaterine. In Greek, Aikaterine means 'pure' or 'clear'. Over time, the name Caitlín evolved into the modern spelling of 'Caitlin', which is widely used today.
Celtic Names
English Names
Gaelic Names
Greek Names
Irish Names
Scottish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Caitlin
Caitrine
Caitrionia
Caryn
Cass
Cassie
Catalina
Caterina
Catherine
Cathleen
Cathy
Catout
Catrionagh
Catuja
Cawth
Ekaterina
Kaatja
Kait
Kajsa
Karan
Karen
Kasen
Kasja
Kaska
Katalin
Katarzyna
Katchen
Kate
Kateke
Katerina
Katherine
Kathleen
Kathrinna
Kathy
Katica
Katja
Katka
Katla
Katlaina
Katreen
Katri
Katrien
Katrin
Katrina
Katy
Katya
Kay
Kayla
Kerry
Kitty
Kotinka
Kotrina
Rina
Treinel
Trina
Trinchen
Trine
Trinette
Yekaterina
Ykaterina
Popularity of Caitlin
The popularity of the name 'Caitlin' has seen notable spikes over the years. In the 1970s, 'Caitlin' gained significant popularity, ranking among the top 100 names for girls in the United States. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the increased interest in Irish names during that time. However, it 's important to note that the name 's popularity has declined in recent years, with other names taking the spotlight.
Caitlin currently has 3428 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked girl's names. The name Claire is slightly more popular than Caitlin.

Etymology of Caitlin

The name 'Caitlin' has its linguistic roots in the Irish Gaelic language. In Irish, Caitlín is derived from the Old French name Cateline, which is a diminutive form of Catherine. The name Catherine itself has a rich etymology, originating from the Greek name Aikaterine. The Greek name is believed to have been derived from the Greek word 'katharos', meaning 'pure' or 'clear'. The meaning of 'Caitlin', therefore, can be interpreted as 'pure' or 'clear. '

Cultural Significance of Caitlin

The name 'Caitlin' holds cultural significance, particularly in Ireland. In Irish folklore, Caitlín is associated with a legendary figure named Caitlín Ni Uallacháin. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and strong-willed nature. Caitlín Ni Uallacháin 's story has been passed down through generations, making the name 'Caitlin' a symbol of strength and beauty in Irish culture.