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Caitlyn

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAYT-lin /ˈkeɪt.lɪn/High

Meaning: pure, unsulliedHigh

In 30 seconds: Caitlyn is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Caitlín meaning pure from the Greek Katherine. One of the most popular name spellings of the late 20th century.
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Origin HighIrish, Greek
Meaningpure, unsullied
U.S. rank (2024)#2346 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births78 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 52,531

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199819682024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Caitlyn is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Caitlín, the Irish form of Katherine, meaning pure or unsullied.

Caitlyn was highly popular in the 1990s–2000s. It gained renewed prominence through Caitlyn Jenner's public transition in 2015.

Did you know? The name Katherine derives from the Greek katharos meaning pure. Saint Catherine of Alexandria (c. 287–305 AD), patron of scholars and philosophers, made it one of the most revered names in Christendom.
Overall data confidence 90%
Ó Corráin & Maguire, Gaelic Personal Names — reference for CaitlynBehind the Name: Caitlin — name etymology referenceOxford Dictionary of First Names — reference for Caitlyn

Variations

CaitlinKaitlynKatelynKatelynn

Nicknames

CaitKateLynn

Famous Bearers

  • ★Caitlyn Jenner (1949–present)
    American media personality and 1976 Olympic decathlon gold medalist who came out as a transgender woman in 2015.

If you like Caitlyn…

Kaitlyn— most popular alternate spelling of same name
Katelyn— variant spelling of same name
Caitlin— traditional Irish spelling
Kaytlin— similar phonetic variant
Katelynn— double-n elaboration of same name

Frequently Asked

What does Caitlyn mean?

Caitlyn means pure or unsullied, from the Irish Caitlín, the Irish form of Katherine from the Greek katharos.

How do you pronounce Caitlyn?

Caitlyn is pronounced KAYT-lin (/ˈkeɪt.lɪn/), with two syllables.

Is Caitlyn a girl's name?

Yes, Caitlyn is an exclusively feminine name.

How popular is the name Caitlyn?

Caitlyn was very popular in the 1990s–2000s and remains in regular use.