Find out how popular the first name Caitlynn has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Caitlynn by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Caitlynn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Caitlynn.

The history of the first name Caitlynn

The name Caitlynn is a variant spelling of the Irish feminine name Caitlin or Caitlín, which is the Irish Gaelic form of the Old Celtic name Cateline. This old name is derived from the Celtic root "cad" meaning "battle" or "contention", likely referring to a quality of argumentativeness or fiery spirit. The Irish form Caitlín dates back to the late 17th century.

The spelling Caitlynn emerged in the late 20th century as an Anglicized variant, blending the Irish Caitlín with the common English suffix -lynn. This gave the name a more phonetic spelling and a feminine aesthetic that appealed to English speakers. The earliest known bearer of the Caitlynn spelling may be Caitlynn Jenner, the American former track and field athlete and television personality, born in 1949.

One of the earliest notable Caitlíns in history was Caitlín Ní Uallacháin, an Irish noblewoman who lived in the 16th century and was known as the wife of Lughaidh O'Clery, one of the principal authors of the Annals of the Four Masters. Another early bearer was the 18th century Irish harpist and composer Caitlín Nic Pháidín.

A famous literary reference is Caitlín ni Vauthier, the Irish name used by Julia M. Crottie when publishing her 1924 novel Beloved Vagabond under the pseudonym "Caitlín Ní Uaithne". There are also records of Saint Caitlín, who lived in the 6th century and established a church in Inis Cealtra, an island in Lough Derg, Ireland.

In modern times, some other notable Caitlinns and Caitlynns include Caitlynn Lawson (born 1985), a South African model and actress; Caitlynn Jenner (born 1949), the American Olympian and reality television star; and Caitlynn Jenner's daughter Caitlynn Jenner (born 1997).

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 Caitlynn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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