Caitlin is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It comes from the ancient Irish name "Caitlín," which is composed of two elements: "cait" meaning "pure, chaste" and "lin" meaning "flaxen-haired." Therefore, the name Caitlin can be interpreted as "pure or fair-haired."
The name Caitlin has been popular among the Irish for centuries. It was often used in medieval times to honor St. Caitlín of Kilkenny, a virgin martyr who was believed to have been executed during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians around 304 AD.
In the Middle Ages, variations of the name like Cathleen and Kathleen became popular due to the influence of the poem "Cathleen ni Houlihan," written by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1902. However, Caitlin maintained its own distinctive identity and continued to be used throughout Ireland.
In recent years, the name Caitlin has gained international popularity beyond its Irish roots. It has been widely adopted by English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Today, it is considered a popular unisex name in many parts of the world.
Although not as well-documented as some other names with rich historical backgrounds, Caitlin remains a name that carries a deep Irish heritage, with roots tracing back to ancient Ireland's language, culture, and history. Its meanings and origins continue to resonate with people who appreciate its unique sound and beautiful significance.
The name Caitlin has been given to a total of 283 babies born in the United States between 1981 and 2004, according to the statistics provided.
The most popular year for the name Caitlin was 1989, with 44 births. This is an impressive number, considering that it represents over 16% of all Caitlins born in the United States during this period.
Interestingly, there were two years where the name Caitlin was particularly unpopular: 1993 and 2000, with only 5 births each year. This is less than 2% of all Caitlins born during these years.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Caitlin has been relatively popular in the United States over the past three decades, with a peak in popularity in 1989 and some fluctuations in recent years. However, it remains a unique and distinctive name that parents continue to choose for their daughters.