Find out how popular the first name Cailyn has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cailyn by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Cailyn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 53 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cailyn.

The history of the first name Cailyn

The name Cailyn is a modern variation of the traditional Irish name Caitlín, which is the Irish Gaelic form of the name Cathleen or Kathleen. The name Caitlín is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "cáith," which means "pure" or "beautiful." This name has its roots in ancient Celtic culture and can be traced back to Ireland and Scotland.

Historically, the name Caitlín was popular among Irish families, particularly in the medieval and early modern periods. It gained widespread recognition and usage after the spread of Christianity in Ireland, as many Irish saints and historical figures bore variations of this name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Caitlín can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history, where it is mentioned in reference to a 7th-century Irish princess named Caitlín Ní Dhiarmada.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Caitlín or its variations. One of the most famous was Saint Cathleen (1566-1638), an Irish Catholic nun and missionary who worked in the New World and became known for her humanitarian efforts among Native American communities.

Another prominent figure was Kathleen Ní Houlihan (circa 1300-1350), a legendary figure in Irish folklore who personified Ireland and inspired Irish nationalism during the struggles for independence from British rule.

In literature, the name Caitlín was immortalized in the works of Irish poets such as William Butler Yeats, who wrote the famous poem "Cathleen Ni Houlihan" in 1892, and James Joyce, who featured characters with variations of the name in his novels.

Additionally, the name Caitlín has been borne by several influential women throughout history, including Kathleen "Kit" Coleman (1856-1915), an American journalist and activist for women's rights, and Kathleen Burke (1913-1980), a renowned Irish actress and singer.

While the modern variation "Cailyn" is a more recent spelling, it retains the rich cultural heritage and symbolism of its Irish Gaelic roots, representing purity, beauty, and a connection to the ancient Celtic traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cailyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cailyn, please contact us.

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