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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cathan

Cathan

♂ Boy

Pronounced KATH-an /ˈkæθ.ən/Medium

Meaning: From the Irish name Cathán, a diminutive of cath ('battle'), read as 'little battle' or 'little warrior,' borne by early Irish saints. Some modern uses may read it as a Cathan/Nathan blend; routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish name with a spirited sense: Cathan means 'little battle' (said 'KATH-an'). Old, saintly, with routes uncertain, which we note.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish name Cathán, a diminutive of cath ('battle'), read as 'little battle' or 'little warrior,' borne by early Irish saints. Some modern uses may read it as a Cathan/Nathan blend; routes uncertain.
U.S. rank (2024)#11138 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 109

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201320012024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cathan derives from the Irish Cathán, a diminutive of cath, 'battle,' read as 'little battle' and carried by early Irish saints. Some modern uses read it near Nathan; its route is uncertain, which we note (said 'KATH-an').

It appears only rarely in the U.S., a fresh-sounding name with old Irish roots. Rare, Irish, and spirited.

Did you know? Cathan comes from the Irish Cathán, 'little battle' or 'little warrior,' borne by early Irish saints — a spirited heritage name whose modern route is uncertain, which we note (said 'KATH-an').
Overall data confidence 44%
References — Cathan — Irish Cathán 'little battle'; early saints; some Nathan-blend uses; routes uncertain

Variations

CathánCahanKathan

Nicknames

CathThan

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cathan…

Cian— a like short Irish heritage name
Nathan— a like rhyming familiar pick
Kian— a like Irish-rooted choice
Declan— a like spirited Irish name

Explore names like Cathan

By themeuncertainheritageirishwarrior
By meaningWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cathan mean?

Cathan comes from the Irish Cathán, a diminutive of cath ('battle'), read as 'little battle.' Its modern route is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Cathan?

It's said KATH-an /ˈkæθ.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cathan a boy or girl name?

Cathan is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Cathan?

Cathan is a rare Irish-rooted name for boys in the U.S.

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