Kaitlyn is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name Caítlín, which is in turn composed of the elements cóchair ("comely", meaning "beautiful" or "attractive") and inghean ("daughter"). Therefore, Kaitlyn can be interpreted as "beautiful daughter".
The name Kaitlyn first appeared in Ireland during the Middle Ages. It was popularized by St. Caitlin of Kilkenny, a 5th-century Irish saint who is said to have been miraculously born without a navel. The name became more widespread throughout Europe as the cult of St. Caitlin spread.
In recent years, Kaitlyn has gained popularity in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it peaked in popularity during the 1990s, reaching its highest rank (number 263) in the year 2000. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their daughters.
Overall, Kaitlyn is a name with a rich history and meaningful significance that has stood the test of time, making it a timeless option for parents seeking a beautiful and unique name for their baby girl.
The name Kaitlyn has a fascinating history of popularity and fluctuation in the United States over the past five decades. In 1971, there were only five recorded births with the name Kaitlyn. However, by 1983, this number had increased significantly to 274 births.
This trend continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a peak in popularity in 1992 with 7,480 births, making Kaitlyn one of the most popular names for girls that year. This high level of popularity was maintained over several years, with the name remaining among the top choices for parents throughout the mid- to late-1990s.
However, beginning in the early 2000s, the popularity of the name Kaitlyn started to decline steadily. By 2010, there were only 3,301 births recorded with this name, marking a significant drop from its peak two decades earlier. This downward trend continued through the following years, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with only 478 births recorded in 2022 and 470 in 2023.
Despite this recent decline in popularity, Kaitlyn remains a name with a rich history in the United States. Over the past five decades, it has been chosen by parents for their daughters more than 165,882 times, making it a beloved and enduring choice among American families.