Catelyn is a unique and captivating female given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the ancient Scottish Gaelic name "Caitilín," which itself arises from the personal name "Cait" meaning "pure." The "-lin" suffix in Caitilín denotes "little" or "fair-haired," suggesting that this name likely translates to "fair-haired pure one."
The name Catelyn has a rich history and has been used throughout Scottish society for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Irish and Scottish Gaelic names Caitlín and Caitilíne, which were popular in Scotland during the Middle Ages.
One notable figure associated with the name Catelyn is Lady Catelyn Stark from the popular book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin and its television adaptation Game of Thrones. Although fictional, this character has contributed to the popularity and recognition of the name in recent years.
Today, Catelyn remains a distinctive and elegant choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its Scottish heritage adds a touch of cultural depth, while its meaning of "pure" conveys a sense of innocence and beauty. Despite being relatively rare, Catelyn has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years as parents continue to discover this charming and historic name.
In summary, the name Catelyn is of Scottish origin, derived from the ancient Gaelic name Caitilín meaning "fair-haired pure one." With a rich historical background and a captivating literary association, Catelyn offers an elegant and distinctive naming choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful option for their daughter.
Between 1985 and 2022, the name Catelyn has been given to a total of 2,289 baby girls in the United States. The name's popularity peaked in 2006 with 108 births, but it has since declined significantly, with only 10 births recorded in 2022. From 1985 to 1997, the number of babies named Catelyn remained relatively low, fluctuating between 16 and 74 births per year. However, starting in 1998, there was a significant increase in popularity, with over 80 births each year until 2007. After reaching its peak in 2006, the popularity of the name Catelyn began to decline steadily, with fewer than 50 births recorded annually from 2013 onwards. Despite this decrease in popularity, Catelyn remains a distinctive and unique name choice for parents looking for something different for their baby girl.