Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Caitlin is an Irish name derived from the Greek Aikaterine, meaning 'pure.' It has evolved through various forms, including Catherine and Katherine. The name has gained popularity since the 20th century and is associated with traits of creativity and individuality. There is no notable biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪt.lɪn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Caitlin is derived from the Irish form of the name Catherine, which ultimately comes from the Greek name Aikaterine. The name is often associated with purity and innocence.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Catherine (Greek), Katherine (Latin), Caitlin (Irish)
Historical Usage
Caitlin gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as an Irish variant of Catherine.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaitlin, Katelyn, Cait, Kate
Modern Popularity & Image
Caitlin is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Caitlin Jenner, Caitlin Thomas, Caitlin McHugh
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,274 peak births in 1988
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (42 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 42 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3488th of 16616 | 247 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14231st of 24088 | 36 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4585th of 12526 | 140 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 923rd of 19264 | 2,240 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 71st of 27321 | 70,475 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 148th of 35406 | 36,285 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1072nd of 30306 | 2,928 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
44.86% 2330th/5194 |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
- |
83.32% 2312th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
40.52% 1190th/2937 |
15.62% 544th/3483 |
49.89% 1755th/3518 |
21.98% 889th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.04% 75th/3685 |
1.09% 49th/4475 |
1.60% 83rd/5194 |
1.35% 85th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.19% 146th/4582 |
1.94% 100th/5164 |
2.12% 155th/7313 |
2.57% 192nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
26.43% 1053rd/3984 |
16.36% 734th/4487 |
17.50% 1194th/6822 |
17.11% 1074th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3488th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14231st out of 24088 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4585th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 923rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 71st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 148th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1072nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.