Rising since 2011, #1,211 for girls today.
Popularity of Cattleya since 2011
Babies named Cattleya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 1,003 |
| 2020s | 1,082 |
Meaning & origin
Cattleya entered U.S. birth records in 2011 and has been rising in use ever since, reaching a rank of 1,211 in 2025 with about 1 in 8,595 newborn girls receiving the name that year. Its peak year so far was 2024. The name is most popular in Connecticut, Arizona, and Massachusetts. As a botanical name inspired by the orchid genus, Cattleya fits a modern trend of nature-inspired names that feel both elegant and distinctive. Its steady climb in popularity suggests it appeals to parents looking for a rare but accessible floral name with a touch of scientific pedigree.
Cattleya is a botanical name taken directly from the genus of orchids, Cattleya, which was named in honor of William Cattley, an English horticulturist and orchid enthusiast of the early 19th century. The name first appeared in American baby name records in 2011, likely influenced by the popularity of floral names and the exotic sound of the orchid's name. It remains rare but has steadily increased in use.
Where Cattleya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cattleya” around the world
Where Cattleya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cat, Lea, Catti
Sibling names for Cattleya
Names that share Cattleya's style, for a brother or sister.
