Caitlin is a popular Irish female given name, derived from the ancient Gaelic name 'Caitlín'. It is a diminutive of the name 'Cait', which means 'pure' or 'virginal'. The name gained prominence in English-speaking countries due to its usage in Sir Walter Scott's poem "Lay of the Last Minstrel," where it was spelled as Caterine. Today, Caitlin is often associated with the Scottish Highlands and has a strong connection to Celtic culture. It has also been popularized by various famous bearers, such as American actress Caitlin FitzGerald.
The name Catilin was popular among parents in the late 1980s and mid-1990s with a peak of 10 births in 1990. However, its popularity seemed to decline afterwards, with fewer than 7 births per year from 1995 onwards. Overall, there were 58 babies named Catilin between 1987 and 2001.