Find out how popular the first name Kailin has been for the last 43 years (from 1981 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kailin by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Kailin is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 87% of people named Kailin being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 9 male babies born with the name Kailin.

The history of the first name Kailin

The name Kailin has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language, derived from the elements "caol" meaning "slender" or "graceful", and "linn" meaning "pool" or "lake". It likely originated in the medieval period, around the 12th to 15th centuries, when Gaelic names were common in Scotland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kailin can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. In 1174, a woman named Kailin ingen Muiredaig is mentioned as the wife of a prominent Irish chieftain. This suggests the name was in use among the Gaelic-speaking populations of Scotland and Ireland during this time.

Throughout the centuries, the name Kailin has been relatively uncommon, but there are a few notable individuals who have borne it. In the 16th century, Kailin Ó Maolchonaire was an Irish scribe and historian who worked on the Annals of the Four Masters, a celebrated compilation of Irish history.

In the 18th century, Kailin Macpherson was a Scottish Jacobite who fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. She was renowned for her bravery and loyalty to the cause. Another notable figure was Kailin MacDonald, a Scottish writer and poet born in 1787, whose works celebrated the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the Gaelic culture.

Moving into the 19th century, Kailin MacLeod was a prominent Scottish politician and advocate for land reform, born in 1845. He played a significant role in the struggle for crofters' rights and the preservation of Highland culture.

While the name Kailin has remained relatively rare throughout history, it has persisted as a unique and evocative name with deep roots in Scottish Gaelic culture and tradition.

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

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

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