MallowbyNames

Caitrin

KAY-trin · The name Caitrin is an Irish form of Catherine, meaning 'pure'.

Peak popularity
1986
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Caitrin since 1976

Babies named Caitrin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71522198020002020Most births 1986Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s23
1980s126
1990s121
2000s114
2010s26
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Caitrin is an Irish variant of Catherine that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976. The name saw a modest popularity peak in 1986, though it never reached the top 1000 ranks and has since remained consistently stable in occurrence. As of the latest year 2025, the name continues to be a rare choice, with no noticeable resurgence in recent decades. Its strength lies in its Irish heritage and the classic, enduring appeal of its root meaning, 'pure'.

Caitrin is an Irish variant of Katherine, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The name was borne by early Christian saints, including Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and has been used in Ireland since the Middle Ages. It is often anglicized as Catherine or Kathleen.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cait, Trina

Variants: Caitriona, Caitlin, Kitty

Sibling names for Caitrin

Names that share Caitrin's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Caitrin, our favorite little girl.

C is for Caitrin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Caitrin's letter becomes Caitrin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Caitrin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Caitrin mean?
Caitrin means 'pure', as it is an Irish form of Catherine.
Is Caitrin a popular name?
Caitrin has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000 names. It peaked in usage in 1986 but remains rare.
Is Caitrin a girl's name or a boy's name?
Caitrin is exclusively a girl's name.