Find out how popular the first name Kaylen has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kaylen by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kaylen is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 84% of people named Kaylen being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 77 female babies and 55 male babies born with the name Kaylen.

The history of the first name Kaylen

The name Kaylen is a modern English variant of the name Caitlin, which has its origins in the ancient Irish Gaelic language. The name Caitlin is derived from the Irish words "cath" meaning "battle" and "lín" meaning "little one." This suggests that the name may have been initially used to refer to a small but fierce warrior or someone with a fighting spirit.

In its earliest forms, the name was spelled as Caitlín or Caitlíona in the Irish language. It gained popularity in Ireland during the Middle Ages and was borne by several notable historical figures, including Caitlín Ní Uallacháin, a 16th-century Irish noblewoman and patron of the arts.

The name Kaylen emerged as an Anglicized variant of Caitlin, likely to make it easier for English speakers to pronounce and spell. While the exact origins of this spelling are unclear, it first appeared in the late 20th century as a modern twist on the traditional Irish name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kaylen can be found in the early 1970s, when it was given to a character in the novel "The Green Ripper" by John D. MacDonald, published in 1979. However, the name did not gain widespread popularity until the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kaylen or its variants. For example, Kaylen Tanner (born 1985) is an American actress known for her roles in television shows like "Charmed" and "CSI: Miami." Kaylen Stevenson (born 1988) is a Canadian actress and singer who has appeared in various television series and films.

Another notable figure is Kaylen Frederick (born 1985), an American actress and model who has appeared in movies like "The Final Destination" and "Scream 4." Additionally, Kaylen Zahara Holien (born 1985) is a Canadian actress known for her work in television shows like "Once Upon a Time" and "Supernatural."

While not as widely used as some other names, Kaylen has gained a significant following in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unique spelling and connection to the ancient Irish heritage have contributed to its appeal and popularity as a modern given name.

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

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

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