Kaitlyn is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name Caítlín, which is in turn composed of the elements cóchair ("comely", meaning "beautiful" or "attractive") and inghean ("daughter"). Therefore, Kaitlyn can be interpreted as "beautiful daughter".
The name Kaitlyn first appeared in Ireland during the Middle Ages. It was popularized by St. Caitlin of Kilkenny, a 5th-century Irish saint who is said to have been miraculously born without a navel. The name became more widespread throughout Europe as the cult of St. Caitlin spread.
In recent years, Kaitlyn has gained popularity in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it peaked in popularity during the 1990s, reaching its highest rank (number 263) in the year 2000. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their daughters.
Overall, Kaitlyn is a name with a rich history and meaningful significance that has stood the test of time, making it a timeless option for parents seeking a beautiful and unique name for their baby girl.
The name Kaitlyn experienced significant popularity from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, reaching its peak in 1992 with 7480 births. After that point, its usage declined steadily, with only 478 births recorded in 2023. Overall, over a span of nearly five decades (1971-2023), the name Kaitlyn has been given to a total of 165882 newborn girls in the United States.