Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Caitlin
GirlIrish, Greek· “Irish form of Catherine”
- Meaning
- Irish form of Catherine
- Origin
- Irish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KAYT-lihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,333
- US babies 2025
- 78
- Best rank
- #44 (1988)
- Peak year
- 1988
Meaning and origin of Caitlin
Caitlin is an Irish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Catherine”.
Caitlin comes from Caitlín, the Irish form of Catherine. Catherine is Greek in origin, though its original meaning is uncertain; early Christians linked it with katharos, pure, which shaped both its spelling and its reputation. In Irish the name was traditionally pronounced closer to KAT-leen, but English speakers read the spelling as KAYT-lin, and that pronunciation took over in America and beyond. It became a favorite in the later twentieth century and produced many spellings, including Kaitlyn and Katelyn. Today Caitlin feels warm, familiar and slightly nostalgic. Cait and Caity are the usual nicknames.
Popularity over time
Caitlin first appears in US Social Security records in 1955. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 40 different years, starting in 1976. Its best national rank was #44 in 1988, the same year it reached its highest count of 7,246 babies. In 2025, 78 babies were named Caitlin, and it ranked #2,333 nationally. That is 84% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #365 in 1980, #76 in 2000, #339 in 2010, and #2,333 in 2025. Of the 112,143 US girls named Caitlin since records began, 44% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 33,584 babies. Since 2010, 5,495 more have been named Caitlin.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brittney, Natasha, Kendra, Bethany, and Jaclyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Caitlin ranked highest in Illinois, New York, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #1443 | 5 |
| New York | #1876 | 6 |
| California | #1977 | 10 |
| Florida | #2221 | 5 |
| Texas | #2436 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Caitlin is usually pronounced KAYT-lihn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Caitlin
A few middle names that flow with Caitlin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Caitlin
Similar names
Kaitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure” · Irish
#4,114
Erin Girl
AIR-in
“Ireland” · Irish
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Caitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Catherine” · Irish
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Moira Girl
MOY-ruh
“Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate” · Irish
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Mairead Girl
muh-RAYD
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Jasmin Girl
JAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Persian
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Jaylin Unisex
JAY-lihn
“blend of Jay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
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Kaylin Girl
KAY-lin
“modern coinage; blend of Kay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
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Kathleen Girl
kath-LEEN
“Irish form of Catherine; meaning uncertain” · Irish
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Yazmin Girl
YAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Persian
#1,651
Marin Girl
MAIR-in
“of the sea” · Latin
#2,043
Jazmin Girl
JAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Spanish
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Lists that include Caitlin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Caitlin mean?
Caitlin is an Irish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Catherine”.
What is the origin of the name Caitlin?
Caitlin has Irish and Greek roots. Caitlin comes from Caitlín, the Irish form of Catherine.
Is Caitlin a popular name?
Not especially. Caitlin ranked #2,333 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Caitlin a boy or girl name?
Caitlin is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Caitlin?
Caitlin is usually pronounced KAYT-lihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings