Declining since 1997.
Popularity of Catlyn since 1985
Babies named Catlyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 292 |
| 2000s | 199 |
| 2010s | 42 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Catlyn entered the U.S. naming scene in 1985, a time when creative spellings of traditional names were gaining traction. Its peak year was 2000, reflecting the broader popularity of Caitlin and its variants during the 1990s and early 2000s. Since 1997, however, the name has been on a declining trajectory, with its latest recorded use in 2025 showing it outside the top 1000. The name's evolving history mirrors the shift from the classic Irish Caitlin to modernized forms like Catlyn, which offered parents a distinctive twist while keeping a familiar sound. Unlike many names that see a resurgence after a fall, Catlyn has not yet shown signs of revival.
Catlyn is a modern spelling variant of Caitlin, itself an Irish form of Katherine. The name Katherine is of Greek origin, from Aikaterine, with the meaning "pure" attributed through folk etymology linking it to katharos. This particular spelling became more common in the United States during the late 20th century, as parents sought distinctive variations of traditional names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cat, Caty, Lyn
Sibling names for Catlyn
Names that share Catlyn's style, for a brother or sister.
