Kalyn first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kalyn has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kalyn

Feminine given name of Scottish origin meaning "mighty battle".

Popularity of Kalyn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kalyn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Kalyn being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 21 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kalyn.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024021
2023010
2022522
2021019
2020027
2019535
2018034
2017043
2016047
2015578
20141175
2013997
20120100
20115124
201012170
20097214
200813211
20079213
20067223
200513234
20048242
20037229
20027242
20016240
200014256
199911258
199812262
199721265
199618271
199525270
199416350
199317354
199218275
199114271
199016231
198916230
198814202
198710180
198613127
1985097
1984888
1983971
1982046
1981042
1980028
1979018
1978019
197707
1976016
1975011

The history of the first name Kalyn

The name Kalyn is believed to have its origins in the ancient Celtic languages, with roots traceable to the Celtic word "cailín," meaning "young girl" or "maiden." This name has been in use for centuries, particularly in regions of the British Isles where Celtic culture and language held sway.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalyn can be found in Irish folklore and mythology. In the legendary tales of the Fianna, a band of warrior-hunters, there is a character named Caílín, who is described as a beautiful and brave young woman. While the precise historical accuracy of these tales is uncertain, they offer a glimpse into the antiquity of the name's usage.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kalyn gained popularity among the Celtic populations of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It was not uncommon for families to bestow this name upon their daughters, as it carried connotations of youthful beauty and virtue. Several historical records from this period, including parish registers and census records, contain variations of the name, such as Cailin, Cailyne, and Kaylyne.

Throughout history, there have been notable figures who bore the name Kalyn. One such individual was Kalyn Douglas, a Scottish noblewoman from the 15th century, known for her involvement in the Wars of the Roses. Another notable bearer of the name was Kalyn MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish chieftain and clan leader, renowned for her bravery and leadership during times of conflict.

In the realm of literature, the name Kalyn has also made appearances. In the 19th century, Irish author James Joyce featured a character named Kalyn in his seminal novel, "Ulysses." This literary reference further solidified the name's association with Irish and Celtic culture.

Other notable individuals who have carried the name Kalyn include Kalyn O'Toole, an Irish politician and activist from the early 20th century, and Kalyn McIntyre, a Scottish artist and sculptor whose works were widely celebrated in the mid-20th century.

While the name Kalyn has ancient roots and a rich tapestry of historical associations, its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the centuries. Nonetheless, its enduring presence in various cultures and time periods serves as a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Celtic heritage.

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

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

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