Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kaitlin is an Irish name derived from the Greek name Catherine, meaning 'pure.' It has evolved through various forms such as Catherine and Caitlin. The name is associated with youthful energy and gained popularity in the late 20th century. It does not have biblical relevance but remains a modern and trendy choice.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪt.lɪn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Kaitlin is a diminutive form of the name Catherine, which comes from the Greek 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' The name has evolved through various languages and cultures, particularly in Ireland.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Catherine, Katherine, Katlyn, Kaitlin
Historical Usage
Kaitlin gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as variations of Catherine became fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaitlyn, Caitlin, Kathy, Kat
Modern Popularity & Image
Kaitlin is often perceived as a modern and trendy name, associated with youthful energy and creativity.
Famous People
Kaitlin Doubleday, Kaitlin Olson, Kaitlin Greenidge
📊 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 3,612 peak births in 1995
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 6 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 | 7383rd of 16616 | 70 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3457th of 19264 | 302 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 130th of 27321 | 35,690 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 255th of 35406 | 20,206 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2063rd of 30306 | 1,121 |
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) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
- |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
89.27% 2622nd/2937 |
43.12% 1502nd/3483 |
- |
80.61% 3260th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.18% 117th/3685 |
2.30% 103rd/4475 |
3.10% 161st/5194 |
2.75% 174th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.91% 225th/4582 |
4.71% 243rd/5164 |
3.54% 259th/7313 |
4.34% 324th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
47.31% 1885th/3984 |
37.60% 1687th/4487 |
33.08% 2257th/6822 |
30.72% 1928th/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, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, 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, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7383rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3457th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 130th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 255th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2063rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.