Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kaitlyn
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “form of Caitlin, from Catherine”
- Meaning
- form of Caitlin, from Catherine
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAYT-lihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #802
- US babies 2025
- 340
- Best rank
- #30 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “form of Caitlin, from Catherine”.
Kaitlyn is an American spelling of Caitlin, which comes from the Irish Caitlín, the Irish form of Catherine. Catherine itself is Greek, and although it has long been linked to katharos, "pure," that connection is probably a later reinterpretation rather than the true origin. Caitlin in Irish is pronounced closer to "KATCH-leen," but in English it came to be said "KAYT-lin," and spellings multiplied. Kaitlyn and Katelyn were especially fashionable in the late twentieth century. The name feels friendly and familiar, and it shortens easily to Kait, Katie or Kay. Its roots connect it to one of the oldest saints' names in Europe.
Popularity over time
Kaitlyn first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 43 different years, starting in 1983. Its best national rank was #30 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 8,759 babies. In 2025, 340 babies were named Kaitlyn, and it ranked #802 nationally. That is 80% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,727 in 1980, #30 in 2000, #90 in 2010, and #802 in 2025. Of the 166,689 US girls named Kaitlyn since records began, 41% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 66,909 babies. Since 2010, 21,247 more have been named Kaitlyn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Julia, Haley, Destiny, Sydney, and Savannah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaitlyn ranked highest in Idaho, Mississippi, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | #443 | 5 |
| Mississippi | #473 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #484 | 16 |
| New York | #539 | 31 |
| Colorado | #562 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaitlyn is usually pronounced KAYT-lihn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-yn”.
Middle names for Kaitlyn
A few middle names that flow with Kaitlyn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaitlyn
Similar names
Brooklyn Girl
BRUK-lihn
“from the New York borough” · American (modern coinage)
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Jordyn Girl
JAWR-duhn
“to flow down” · American (modern coinage)
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Londyn Girl
LUN-din
“from the city of London” · American (modern coinage)
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Ashlyn Girl
ASH-lin
“blend of Ash and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
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Camryn Girl
KAM-rin
“crooked nose” · Scottish
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Kamryn Unisex
KAM-rihn
“crooked nose; variant of Cameron” · Scottish
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Raelyn Girl
RAY-lihn
“blend of Rae and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
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Jazlyn Girl
JAZ-lihn
“blend of Jasmine and -lyn” · American (modern coinage)
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Katelyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“form of Caitlin, from Catherine” · American (modern coinage)
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Raegan Girl
RAY-guhn
“from an Irish surname; possibly little king” · Irish
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Rylie Girl
RY-lee
“variant of Riley” · Irish
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Ashlynn Girl
ASH-lin
“blend of Ashley and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#980
Lists that include Kaitlyn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaitlyn mean?
Kaitlyn is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “form of Caitlin, from Catherine”.
What is the origin of the name Kaitlyn?
Kaitlyn has modern American and Irish roots. Kaitlyn is an American spelling of Caitlin, which comes from the Irish Caitlín, the Irish form of Catherine.
Is Kaitlyn a popular name?
Yes. Kaitlyn ranked #802 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kaitlyn a boy or girl name?
Kaitlyn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaitlyn?
Kaitlyn 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