Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Katelyn is an English name derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means 'pure.' It has evolved through various languages and forms, including Catherine and Katherine. The name gained notable popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the U.S. It is associated with a youthful image and has several common variants. There is no direct biblical relevance to the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪt.lɪn/
Origin
English
Etymology
Katelyn is a modern English variant of the name Catherine, which has roots in the Greek name Aikaterine. The name is often associated with the Greek word 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.'
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Aikaterine (Greek), Catherine (Old French), Caterina (Italian), Katherine (Middle English), Katelyn (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Katelyn gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, as part of a trend towards names ending in '-lyn.'
Variants & Derivatives
Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Katherine, Kat, Katie
Modern Popularity & Image
Katelyn is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with a youthful and vibrant image.
Famous People
Katelyn Ohashi - American gymnast, Katelyn Nacon - American actress, Katelyn Tarver - American actress and singer
📊 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 5,975 peak births in 1993
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
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 | 7061st of 16616 | 76 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10571st of 24088 | 76 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3362nd of 19264 | 315 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 98th of 27321 | 51,623 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 64th of 35406 | 71,888 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 378th of 30306 | 9,991 |
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) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
49.04% 3586th/7313 |
- |
| 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) |
76.00% 2232nd/2937 |
40.48% 1410th/3483 |
- |
79.87% 3230th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.17% 80th/3685 |
1.83% 82nd/4475 |
2.10% 109th/5194 |
2.12% 134th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.18% 54th/4582 |
1.57% 81st/5164 |
0.74% 54th/7313 |
1.03% 77th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.54% 380th/3984 |
9.63% 432nd/4487 |
5.79% 395th/6822 |
5.82% 365th/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 Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest 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 declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage 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. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too rising for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7061st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10571st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3362nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 98th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 64th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 378th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.