Declining since 1994, #1,076 for girls today.
Popularity of Katelyn since 1970
Babies named Katelyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 183 |
| 1980s | 14,775 |
| 1990s | 52,811 |
| 2000s | 47,840 |
| 2010s | 16,509 |
| 2020s | 1,931 |
Meaning & origin
Katelyn first appeared in U.S. records in 1970 and surged in popularity, reaching its peak rank of 28th in 1993. Since 1994, its usage has been falling steadily, and as of 2025 it ranks 1076th. The name is most common in Utah, Kentucky, and Michigan. Katelyn exemplifies the late 20th-century trend of respelling traditional Irish names with a 'K' and a 'lyn' ending. While its meaning, 'pure', echoes its Greek root, the specific spelling is a modern American invention that captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s.
Katelyn is a 20th-century American respelling of Caitlin, the Irish Gaelic form of Catherine. The name Catherine derives from the Greek 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. The spelling with a 'K' became popular in the United States in the 1970s and surged in use during the 1990s, reflecting a trend toward personalized spellings of traditional names.
Where Katelyn 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.
“Katelyn” around the world
Where Katelyn lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
15
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kate, Katie, Lyn, Kay
Sibling names for Katelyn
Names that share Katelyn's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alyssa, Megan, Brittany, Lauren, Ashley, Jocelyn, Kaley, Kayley, Madalyn, Jacelyn, Janelly, Joslynn, Josselyn, Nickole, Shealyn, Alainna, Allysen, Brandilyn, Chrislyn, Danely, Jackelyne, Jakeline, Joselyne, Josilyn, Kasaundra, Kayly, Megyn, Taralyn, Allisen, Amryn, Jadalynn, Janelys, Jenalee, Jozelyn, Malynn, Maydelin, Andelyn, Brandelyn, Danyle, Jillyn, Josselyne, Karalyne, Maekayla, Makayle, Mattelyn, Rachelann, Shawnelle
Names like Katelyn
Names whose popularity has moved with Katelyn's over the last 50 years.
