Declining since 1996.
Popularity of Katelin since 1977
Babies named Katelin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 1,695 |
| 1990s | 4,106 |
| 2000s | 2,631 |
| 2010s | 442 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Katelin is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Caitlin, itself an Irish form of Katherine. It first entered U.S. naming records in 1977, and its popularity climbed through the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its peak in 1995. Since around 1996, its use has been falling, reflecting a broader shift away from the numerous Caitlin/Katelyn spelling variations. Even at its peak, Katelin was a moderately used name and never entered the top 200 nationally. It remains a recognizable but less common choice, carried primarily by millennials born during its brief period of popularity.
Katelin is a modern English spelling variant of Caitlin, itself an Irish form of Catherine. Catherine ultimately derives from the Greek Aikaterine, whose meaning is debated but often associated with katharos, meaning "pure." The variant spelling with a K emerged in the United States in the 1970s, reflecting a trend toward phonetic spellings.
Where Katelin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kate, Katie, Kat
Sibling names for Katelin
Names that share Katelin's style, for a brother or sister.
