The nameCaitlin

Caitlin is the Irish form of Katherine. It was a top 25 name in England and Wales around 2000.

Meaning

Caitlin comes from the Irish Caitlín, from Katherine, often linked to the Greek katharos, "pure".

Origin

Greek, through Irish.

History

In Ireland it is pronounced KATH-leen, in English-speaking countries mostly KATE-lin. In England and Wales it reached 21st place in 2001. In the United States it reached 44th in 1988.

Famous people named Caitlin

Popularity of the name Caitlin

Caitlin in the United States

1686thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
1988peak year (7,274 births)
112,351babies named Caitlin in the United States since 1880
03,6377,274 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Caitlin was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 49,130 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Caitlin. Its rise began around 1981, and it peaked in 1988. Half of all babies named Caitlin in the United States were born before 1993. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 96 births a year on average, against 233 in the five years before.

Caitlin in the United Kingdom

695thmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
1999peak year (2,890 births)
36,002babies named Caitlin in the United Kingdom since 1997
01,4452,890 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Caitlin was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 22,688 births over the decade, 63% of all recorded babies named Caitlin. Half of all babies named Caitlin in the United Kingdom were born before 2003. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 84 births a year on average, against 205 in the five years before.

Caitlin in Ireland

188thmost popular girls' name in Ireland in 2025
2003peak year (192 births)
2,884babies named Caitlin in Ireland since 1964
096192 198020002020
Births per year in Ireland. Source: Central Statistics Office, names given at least 3 times a year.

Caitlin in Belgium

1998peak year (60 births)
678babies named Caitlin in Belgium since 1995
03060 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Caitlin

Names from the same generation as Caitlin, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Caitlin? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Caitlin with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Caitlin side by side with the name of your choice.

Caitlin in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Caitlin mean?

Caitlin comes from the Irish Caitlín, from Katherine, often linked to the Greek katharos, "pure".

What is the origin of the name Caitlin?

Greek, through Irish.

Is Caitlin a girl's or a boy's name?

Caitlin is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Caitlin?

In 2024, Caitlin was the 1686th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 121 births.

What are the variants of the name Caitlin?

Variants and related names of Caitlin include Catherine.

What are good sibling names for Caitlin?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Meghan, Cindy, Ebony and Tiffany for a sister, Chad, Brendan, Steve and Marc for a brother.

Who are famous people named Caitlin?

Caitlin Moran, journalist; Caitlin Clark, basketball player; Caitlin Thomas, wife of Dylan Thomas.