Katelynne

Meaning & origin

Katelynne is a modern respelling of the classic Irish name Caitlin, which itself is derived from the Greek katharos, meaning 'pure'. This particular variant first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1983, reflecting a broader American trend of personalizing traditional names with unique spellings. Its peak year was 1993, after which usage steadily declined; as of 2025, it has been falling since 1994 and no longer ranks among the top 1000. Though once fashionable, Katelynne's distinct spelling now represents a specific moment in late-20th-century naming style, typical of the 1990s. The name has not been consistently recorded in any single state's top lists, suggesting a widespread but diffuse popularity. Sibling names often follow similar Irish or modern styles, such as Megan, Brianna, or Ryan.

Katelynne is a modern Americanized spelling of Caitlin, itself the Irish form of Catherine. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'katharos', meaning 'pure'. It emerged in the United States in the late 20th century as part of a trend toward creative spellings of traditional names.