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Cattleya

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Cattleya Pronunciation

Cattleya is pronounced KAT-lee-uh /ˈkæt.li.ə/High

Meaning: A genus of tropical orchids, named after English horticulturist William Cattley (1788–1835)High

In 30 seconds: A botanical name drawn from the Cattleya orchid genus, named after 19th-century English horticulturist William Cattley. Known as the 'queen of orchids,' the Cattleya is among the most prized flowers in the world.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningA genus of tropical orchids, named after English horticulturist William Cattley (1788–1835)

U.S. rank (2024)#905 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births292 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,897

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Cattleya is the name of a large genus of epiphytic orchids native to Central and South America, established by botanist John Lindley in 1824 in honor of William Cattley, an English plant collector and patron of botany. The flowers became enormously fashionable in Victorian England.

Cattleya is found as a given name in Brazil and the Philippines, where orchid names have a tradition of use. It has appeared in U.S. birth records in small numbers, reaching #905 for girls in 2024 — reflecting both the growing diversity of the American naming landscape and the broader trend for botanical names.

Did you know? Cattleya orchids are named for William Cattley, who grew the first Cattleya labiata from packing material used to cushion other exotic plants — he noticed the unusual stems, cultivated them, and was rewarded with spectacular blooms.

Overall data confidence 90%

Royal Horticultural Society — Cattleya — botanical history of the genus and William CattleyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KatleyaKatleiya

Nicknames

CatCattiLeya

Themes & Styles

Nature Floral Botanical Exotic Orchid

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cattleya…

Violet— floral name with the same botanical elegance

Flora— Latin goddess-of-flowers name sitting alongside botanical names

Azalea— exotic flowering shrub name in the same category

Camellia— Victorian botanical name with a similar elegant feel

→ See all names like Cattleya

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Cattleya?

Cattleya is pronounced KAT-lee-uh (/ˈkæt.li.ə/). Press play above to hear Cattleya said aloud.

How do you say Cattleya?

Cattleya is said KAT-lee-uh (/ˈkæt.li.ə/). Press play above to hear Cattleya said aloud.

What does the name Cattleya mean?

Cattleya is a genus of tropical orchids named for English horticulturist William Cattley (1788-1835). As a name, it carries the beauty and rarity of the 'queen of orchids.'

Is Cattleya a boy or girl name?

Cattleya is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Cattleya?

Cattleya ranked #905 for U.S. girls in 2024.