Holding steady.
Popularity of Cathlin since 1951
Babies named Cathlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 27 |
| 1960s | 36 |
| 1970s | 19 |
| 1980s | 22 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cathlin is a rare and distinctive spelling of the widely known Kathleen, itself an Irish form of Katherine. The name first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1951 and saw its peak usage in 1963, though it has never ranked in the top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable with very low usage, and it was most common in the 1960s. As a variant of a classic name, Cathlin offers a unique choice for parents seeking a name with Irish heritage and a traditional meaning of purity.
Cathlin is an Irish variant of Kathleen, itself an anglicized form of Caitlín, the Irish version of the Greek name Katherine. The Greek name Aikaterinē is of uncertain etymology, but has long been associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure'. The name became popular in Ireland through the influence of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Cathlin, specifically, emerged as a less common spelling variant in the 20th century, particularly in the United States and Ireland.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cathy, Cat, Cait, Lin
Sibling names for Cathlin
Names that share Cathlin's style, for a brother or sister.
