Kaitlin is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish name Caitlín. The name means "pure" or "clean," and it is often associated with the Irish word for "pure" or "chaste." The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries, and it was brought to other parts of the world by Irish immigrants.
The name Kaitlin first appeared in the United States during the late 19th century, but it did not become widely popular until the mid-20th century. In the 1980s and 1990s, the name became particularly popular in North America, with thousands of girls being named Kaitlin each year.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kaitlin. One famous example is American actress Kate Hudson, who was born with the name Kaitlyn Rutledge before changing it to her current stage name. Another notable figure is Australian swimmer Kaitlin Jones, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Kaitlin has been adopted by people of various backgrounds and nationalities around the world. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet approachable name for their daughters.
The name Kaitlin experienced significant popularity throughout the late 20th century and early 21st century, with a peak of 3602 births in 1995. However, its usage has substantially decreased since then, with only 23 births recorded in 2022. Overall, there have been 57,293 babies named Kaitlin from 1971 to 2023.