Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Katelyn
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “form of Caitlin, from Catherine”
- Meaning
- form of Caitlin, from Catherine
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAYT-lihn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,077
- US babies 2025
- 225
- Best rank
- #52 (2001)
- Peak year
- 1993
Meaning and origin of Katelyn
Katelyn is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “form of Caitlin, from Catherine”.
Katelyn is one of several American spellings of Caitlin, the Irish form of Catherine that came to Ireland through the Norman French Cateline. Catherine is an ancient Greek name whose origin is uncertain; it has long been associated with katharos, "pure," but that connection is probably a later interpretation. Katelyn blends the familiar Kate with the popular ending -lyn, which makes the connection to Catherine easy to see. It was especially popular in the late twentieth century and feels friendly and approachable. Kate, Katie and Kay are all natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Katelyn first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 44 different years, starting in 1981. Its best national rank was #52 in 2001, and the most babies received it in 1993, when 5,975 were named Katelyn. In 2025, 225 babies were named Katelyn, and it ranked #1,077 nationally. That is 84% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,072 in 1980, #54 in 2000, #103 in 2010, and #1,077 in 2025. Of the 134,049 US girls named Katelyn since records began, 39% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 47,840 babies. Since 2010, 18,440 more have been named Katelyn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marissa, Alexandria, Briana, Allison, and Chelsey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Katelyn ranked highest in Utah, Michigan, and Kentucky.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Katelyn is usually pronounced KAYT-lihn, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-yn”.
Middle names for Katelyn
A few middle names that flow with Katelyn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Katelyn
Similar names
Kaitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“form of Caitlin, from Catherine” · American (modern coinage)
#802
Adalyn Girl
AD-uh-lin
“noble (variant of Adeline)” · American (modern coinage)
#260
Adelyn Girl
AD-uh-lihn
“noble; variant of Adeline” · American (modern coinage)
#355
Madilyn Girl
MAD-uh-lihn
“of Magdala; variant of Madeline” · American (modern coinage)
#464
Gracelyn Girl
GRAYS-lihn
“blend of Grace and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#466
Roselyn Girl
ROZ-lin
“rose; blend of Rose and Lyn” · English
#979
Emersyn Girl
EH-mur-sihn
“son of Emery; variant of Emerson” · American (modern coinage)
#138
Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#593
Caitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Catherine” · Irish
#2,492
Kennedi Girl
KEHN-uh-dee
“variant of Kennedy, 'helmeted head'” · Irish
#709
Joselyn Girl
JAHS-lihn
“from a Germanic tribal name” · Germanic
#1,504
Kaelyn Girl
KAY-lihn
“modern blend of Kae and -lyn” · American (modern coinage)
#1,601
Lists that include Katelyn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Katelyn mean?
Katelyn 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 Katelyn?
Katelyn has modern American and Irish roots. Katelyn is one of several American spellings of Caitlin, the Irish form of Catherine that came to Ireland through the Norman French Cateline.
Is Katelyn a popular name?
Not especially. Katelyn ranked #1,077 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Katelyn a boy or girl name?
Katelyn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Katelyn?
Katelyn 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