Kaitlyn is a name of Irish origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The name is derived from the Irish name Caoilinn, which is composed of two elements: "caol" meaning "slender," and "-ín" which is a diminutive suffix.
The meaning of Kaitlyn can be interpreted as "slender fair one," referring to a person with a graceful appearance. Despite its traditional Irish roots, Kaitlyn has become increasingly popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The name first appeared on the US Social Security Administration's list of top 1000 names for girls in 1986, where it remained until 2013. During this period, Kaitlyn reached its peak popularity between 1995 and 1997, ranking within the top 200 names for girls born during those years.
Kaitlyn is often associated with its variations such as Kaytlin, Caitlyn, Katelin, or Kate. These variants share similar origins and meanings but may have slight differences in pronunciation and spelling.
In popular culture, Kaitlyn has been used as a character name in various movies, television shows, books, and video games. Some notable examples include Kaitlyn Dever from "Booksmart" and Kaitlyn Leann Cook, known professionally as Halsey, the American singer-songwriter.
Overall, Kaitlyn is an attractive and distinctive Irish name that has gained widespread appeal worldwide due to its elegant meaning and unique sound. Its popularity has surged in recent decades, making it a common yet still notable choice for parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their daughter.
Statistics for the name Kaitlyn in the United States:
The name Kaitlyn first appeared on the popularity charts in 1985 with a total of 7 births that year. The following year, it remained steady with another 7 births in 1986. However, the number of babies named Kaitlyn started to increase significantly from 1988 onwards.
In 1988, there were 10 births with the name Kaitlyn, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. This trend continued into the 1990s, reaching a peak in 2004 with an impressive 35 births that year.
However, after 2004, the popularity of the name Kaitlyn began to decline gradually. In 2005 and 2006, there were only 5 births each year. The number of births with this name continued to fluctuate over the years, but it never reached the heights seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Overall, from 1985 to 2009, a total of 232 babies were named Kaitlyn in the United States.