Find out how popular the first name Cathlyn has been for the last 40 years (from 1985 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cathlyn by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Cathlyn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cathlyn.

The history of the first name Cathlyn

The name Cathlyn is believed to have originated from the Gaelic language, which was spoken in regions such as Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is derived from the combination of two Gaelic words, "cath" meaning battle or warrior, and "linn" meaning pool or lake. Thus, the name Cathlyn can be interpreted as "warrior's pool" or "battle pool."

The earliest known use of the name Cathlyn can be traced back to the 12th century, during the Middle Ages. It was initially more common in Ireland, where it was spelled as "Caitlín" or "Caitlíona." The name gained popularity among Irish families, particularly those with ties to the warrior culture or those who lived near significant bodies of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cathlyn is found in the Annals of Ulster, a medieval Irish chronicle that documented notable events from the 5th to the 16th century. The entry from the year 1185 mentions a woman named "Caitlín Ní Chonchobair," who was the daughter of a prominent Irish chieftain.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cathlyn or its variations. One such individual was Cathlyn O'Byrne (c. 1510 – 1580), an Irish noblewoman who played a significant role in the Desmond Rebellions against English rule in Ireland during the 16th century.

Another prominent figure was Cathlyn MacGregor (1628 – 1692), a Scottish woman who was known for her bravery and leadership during the Jacobite uprisings. She was a staunch supporter of the Stuart monarchy and led a group of Highland warriors in several battles against the English forces.

In the literary realm, Cathlyn Stewart (1701 – 1772) was a Scottish poet and playwright whose works were celebrated for their vivid descriptions of Scottish landscapes and culture. Her collection of poems, "The Highland Muse," remains a significant contribution to Scottish literature.

Moving forward in time, Cathlyn O'Donovan (1845 – 1932) was an Irish journalist and activist who fought for women's rights and Irish independence. She co-founded the Irish Women's Franchise League and played a pivotal role in the struggle for women's suffrage in Ireland.

Lastly, Cathlyn Byrne (1913 – 2002) was an Irish-American actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 20th century. She is best known for her roles in classic movies such as "The Quiet Man" and "The Maltese Falcon."

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

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

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