Declining since 1996, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Katlyn since 1979
Babies named Katlyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 1,917 |
| 1990s | 10,718 |
| 2000s | 5,077 |
| 2010s | 624 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Katlyn is a modern respelling of the classic Irish name Caitlin, which itself is a form of Catherine. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1979 and experienced a surge in popularity during the 1990s, peaking at rank 8,362 in 1995. Since then, its usage has been falling, with the trajectory indicating a steady decline from 1996 onward. The spelling Katlyn reflects a broader trend of phonetic and simplified variations of traditional names, particularly in the late 20th century. While it has never ranked among the top names nationally, it has been used consistently across the country. Currently, it is a rare choice, with only about 1 in every 133,939 babies given the name in 2025.
Katlyn is a modern respelling of Caitlin, the Irish form of the Old French name Catherine, which derives from the Greek Aikaterine. The meaning is traditionally associated with the Greek katharos, meaning 'pure', though the name may also have roots in the goddess Hecate. The spelling Katlyn emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, reflecting a trend toward phonetic and simplified spellings.
Where Katlyn 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: Kat, Katie, Lyn
Sibling names for Katlyn
Names that share Katlyn's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Katlyn
Names whose popularity has moved with Katlyn's over the last 50 years.
