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

Popularity of Kailyn by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Kailyn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Kailyn being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 154 female babies and 10 male babies born with the name Kailyn.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby boys were named Kailyn in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kailyn

The name Kailyn is a relatively modern variation of the traditional name Caitlin or Kathleen, which originated from the Gaelic language spoken in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The name Caitlin itself is derived from the ancient Irish name Caitlín, a diminutive form of the name Caitríona, which means "pure" or "strong."

In the early Middle Ages, the name Caitríona was popular among the Celtic cultures of Ireland and Scotland, often given to young girls as a symbol of purity and strength. As the name spread through different regions and dialects, it evolved into various spellings and pronunciations, such as Kathleen, Caitlin, and eventually Kailyn.

While there are no clear historical records of the name Kailyn itself appearing in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its roots can be traced back to the early Christian era in Ireland. The earliest recorded examples of the name Caitríona and its variations can be found in ancient Irish manuscripts and genealogical records from the 6th to 9th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Caitlin or its variations. One of the earliest recorded was Saint Caitríona of Ardrahan, an Irish nun and abbess who lived in the 6th century. Another notable figure was Caitlín Ní Uallacháin, an Irish noblewoman and patron of the arts who lived in the 16th century.

In literature, the name Caitlin gained prominence through the works of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who immortalized his wife Caitlin Macnamara in his writing. Other famous historical figures with the name Caitlin or its variations include Caitlin Jenner, an American Olympic gold medalist and television personality (born 1949); Caitlin Moran, a British journalist and author (born 1975); and Caitlyn Stark, an American actress (born 1988).

As for the specific spelling of Kailyn, it is a more recent variation that emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of unique and creative spellings in modern times. While it lacks the same historical depth as the traditional forms, the name Kailyn carries the essence of its Celtic roots, representing purity, strength, and a connection to the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland.

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

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

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