Caitlin

Caitlin is a feminine given name, an Anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, which itself derives from Catherine or Katherine. The ultimate origin is the Greek name Aikaterine, used in early Christian writings; its exact meaning is debated, but the name is commonly associated with purity. The form Caitlin has been particularly common in Ireland and has spread to other English-speaking countries through immigration and media.

Variants and related spellings include Caitlin, Caitlyn, Kaitlin, Kaitlyn, Kaitlynn, Caitlynn, Katelin, Katlyn, and Katlynn. Diminutives and nicknames often include Cat, Cate, Kate, and Kitty. The different spellings reflect regional preferences and trends over time, while the underlying name traces back to Catherine/Katherine.

In the United States and other English-speaking countries, Caitlin rose in popularity during the late 20th century and has remained common into the 21st century. It is used across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with some variants more popular in certain locales or time periods.

Notable people named Caitlin include Caitlin Clark, an American basketball player; Caitlin Moran, British journalist and author; Caitlin Fitzgerald, American actress; Caitlin Doughty, American mortician and writer; and Caitlin Stasey, Australian actress. In fiction, Caitlin Snow is a character in DC Comics’ The Flash universe. The name remains widely used for girls in many English-speaking countries.