Katelyn is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Caitlín," which itself comes from the old Irish personal name "Caitlín," meaning "pure, chaste." The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and was originally borne by both women and men. Over time, however, it became predominantly associated with females.
The popularity of the name Katelyn rose significantly in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the U.S., the peak popularity for the name was between the years 1997 and 2005 when it consistently ranked among the top 200 names given to baby girls.
In literature, Katelyn is often used as a character's name. For instance, it appears in the popular "Percy Jackson" series of books by Rick Riordan, where it belongs to one of the main characters' sisters. This exposure may have contributed to its increased popularity during that period.
The name Katelyn can also be spelled in several variations such as Caitlyn or Katie Lynn, but its pronunciation and meaning generally remain consistent regardless of spelling. It is often paired with names like Elizabeth or Rose for a fuller sounding moniker, such as Katelyn Elizabeth or Katelyn Rose.
The name Katelyn appears to have had periods of popularity and decline over the years, with notable spikes occurring in the late 80s to early 90s, reaching a peak in 2004 with an exceptionally high number of births.