Catalaya is a unique and intriguing female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "catus," which means "pure" or "chaste." The name Catalaya has been interpreted in various ways, with some sources suggesting it could mean "pure light" or "pure day."
The origins of the name Catalaya are not well-documented, and its history is shrouded in mystery. However, it is believed to have been used as a given name in Spain during the Middle Ages. It was likely bestowed upon daughters born into prominent families, reflecting the parents' hopes for their daughter's purity and virtue.
Despite its historical use, Catalaya remains relatively rare today. Its uniqueness makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter. The name Catalaya lends itself well to various nicknames and can be shortened to Cat or Katie if desired.
In terms of popularity, Catalaya has not yet made it onto the Social Security Administration's list of the most popular baby names in the United States. However, its rarity contributes to its allure for those seeking an uncommon name with a rich history and meaningful origin.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe that the name Catalaya has seen a varied trend of usage over the years in the United States. Between 2012 and 2023, there have been a total of 618 babies named Catalaya at birth.
In 2012, Catalaya was given to 51 newborns, marking the starting point for our statistics. The following year, in 2013, saw a slight increase with 57 births. This upward trend continued into 2014, with 64 babies being named Catalaya that year.
However, from 2015 onwards, we start to see some fluctuations:
* In 2015, there were 52 births, which is a decrease compared to the previous year.
* The year 2016 and 2017 both saw 51 babies named Catalaya each, indicating stability in usage during these two years.
* The number of births increased again in 2018 with 60 babies being named Catalaya.
However, we then see a decrease:
* In 2019, there were 42 births, followed by another slight decrease to 44 births in 2020.
* The year 2021 saw an increase again with 54 births.
* 2022 had the second-highest number of Catalaya births at 56.
Lastly, in 2023, there were 36 births, indicating a decrease compared to recent years. Despite this variation, it's clear that the name Catalaya has been consistently used over the decade, with an average of approximately 51 births per year between 2012 and 2023.