Holding steady.
Popularity of Catelin since 1985
Babies named Catelin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1992, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Catelin's real moment was 1999.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 49 |
| 1990s | 154 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 35 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Catelin first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1985, placing it among the modern wave of Caitlin variants that surged in the late 20th century. Its peak year was 1999, after which it remained stable in usage. While its one-in-N ratio is not available due to low frequency, the name's trajectory shows it as a steady but uncommon choice. Catelin belongs to the 1990s decade cohort, a period when creative spellings of established names became fashionable. Originating from the Irish Caitlin, itself a form of Katherine, Catelin carries the well-known meaning of 'pure.' Its top U.S. usage is not concentrated in any particular state, showing a broad but thin distribution. The name appeals to parents seeking a familiar sound with a distinctive, deliberate spelling.
Catelin is a modern spelling variant of Caitlin, which is the Irish Gaelic form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, of uncertain etymology, but associated with the Greek word katharos meaning 'pure.' The name was popularized in Ireland through Saint Catherine of Alexandria and became a common feminine name in the English-speaking world via the Irish diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cate, Catie, Cat, Cathy
Sibling names for Catelin
Names that share Catelin's style, for a brother or sister.
