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Cathlyn

♀ Girl

Pronounced KATH-lin /ˈkæθ.lɪn/High

Meaning: A form/spelling of Cathleen/Caitlin — an Irish form of Catherine, from the Greek katharos, 'pure' (the traditional meaning); the older root is uncertain; routes uncertainLow

In 30 seconds: Pure: Cathlyn is a form of Cathleen/Caitlin. Crisp, classic, and warm.

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Origin LowGreek, Irish

MeaningA form/spelling of Cathleen/Caitlin — an Irish form of Catherine, from the Greek katharos, 'pure' (the traditional meaning); the older root is uncertain; routes uncertain

U.S. rank (2024)#8525 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1953

Total births (all-time)≈ 361

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Cathlyn is a form/spelling of Cathleen/Caitlin — an Irish form of Catherine, from the Greek katharos, 'pure' (the traditional meaning); the older root is uncertain (routes uncertain, which we note). A crisp, classic name (said 'KATH-lin').

In the U.S. it appears as a form of Cathleen. Rare in this form, pure at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Cathleen/Caitlin is an Irish form of Catherine, traditionally 'pure' (Greek katharos) — Cathlyn is a form of it, crisp and classic (the older root is uncertain, which we note; said 'KATH-lin').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Cathleen — routes uncertain

Variations

CaitlinCathleenKathlyn

Nicknames

Cathy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cathlyn…

Caitlin— a kin Irish form

Kathlyn— a fellow spelling

Kaitlyn— a sound-neighbor -lyn girls' name

Caitlyn— echoes that soft -yn sound

Callyn— shares Cathlyn's Irish roots

Explore names like Cathlyn

By themeuncertain greek irish

By meaningPurity

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cathlyn mean?

Cathlyn is a form of Cathleen/Caitlin (Catherine) — traditionally Greek 'pure'; the older root is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Cathlyn?

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

Is Cathlyn a boy or girl name?

Cathlyn is a girl's name.

How popular is Cathlyn?

Cathlyn is a very rare name in the U.S.