Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kaitlin
GirlIrish, American (modern coinage)· “Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”
- Meaning
- Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KAYT-lihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,114
- US babies 2025
- 35
- Best rank
- #93 (1994)
- Peak year
- 1995
Meaning and origin of Kaitlin
Kaitlin is often said to mean “Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and American (modern coinage) roots.
Kaitlin is a spelling of Caitlin, the anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, which came from the Old French Cateline, a form of Katherine. The ultimate origin of Katherine is uncertain, though it has long been linked to the Greek katharos, pure. In Irish the name is pronounced roughly KAHT-leen, but English speakers adopted the pronunciation KAYT-lihn. Caitlin and its many spellings became very popular in the United States in the late twentieth century. Kaitlin feels friendly and familiar, with Kait and Katie as easy nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kaitlin first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1981. Its best national rank was #93 in 1994, and the most babies received it in 1995, when 3,602 were named Kaitlin. In 2025, 35 babies were named Kaitlin, and it ranked #4,114 nationally. That is 80% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,056 in 1980, #158 in 2000, #663 in 2010, and #4,114 in 2025. Of the 57,355 US girls named Kaitlin since records began, 54% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 12,460 babies. Since 2010, 2,259 more have been named Kaitlin.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Angelica, Selena, Karina, Carly, and Breanna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaitlin ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #3097 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaitlin is usually pronounced KAYT-lihn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Kaitlin
A few middle names that flow with Kaitlin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaitlin
Similar names
Jaylin Unisex
JAY-lihn
“blend of Jay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#1,742
Caitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Catherine” · Irish
#2,333
Kaylin Girl
KAY-lin
“modern coinage; blend of Kay and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#1,644
Erin Girl
AIR-in
“Ireland” · Irish
#833
Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine form of Brian” · Irish
#2,548
Kailey Girl
KAY-lee
“modern spelling of Kayleigh” · American (modern coinage)
#1,420
Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,793
Brenna Girl
BREH-nuh
Irish
#1,846
Caleigh Girl
KAY-lee
“modern form of Kayleigh” · American (modern coinage)
#3,474
Arin Unisex
EH-rihn
“uncertain; often a variant of Aaron” · Hebrew
#2,037
Kaitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“form of Caitlin, from Catherine” · American (modern coinage)
#802
Raegan Girl
RAY-guhn
“from an Irish surname; possibly little king” · Irish
#506
Lists that include Kaitlin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaitlin mean?
Kaitlin is often said to mean “Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Kaitlin?
Kaitlin has Irish and modern American roots. Kaitlin is a spelling of Caitlin, the anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, which came from the Old French Cateline, a form of Katherine.
Is Kaitlin a popular name?
Not especially. Kaitlin ranked #4,114 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kaitlin a boy or girl name?
Kaitlin is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaitlin?
Kaitlin 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