Katelin is a unique and distinctive female given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname "Caitlín", which itself is a diminutive form of the name "Catherine". Catherine is ultimately derived from the Greek word 'katharos', meaning pure or innocent.
The name Katelin has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was traditionally given to girls born into families with the surname Caitlín. However, over time, the name has gained international recognition and can now be found in many countries around the world.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Katelin is the Irish revolutionary and patriot, Kathleen Clarke (née Caitlín Cormack), who was born in 1878. She played a significant role in the fight for Irish independence during the early 20th century and was married to Tom Clarke, one of the leaders of the Easter Rising.
Today, Katelin continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughters. It is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, strength, and determination, reflecting its Irish heritage and historical significance. Despite its diminutive origins, Katelin has evolved into a name that stands on its own, capturing the essence of Irish culture and history while offering a modern twist on tradition.
The name Katelin has seen a significant trend over the past four decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of babies named Katelin increased steadily, reaching a peak of 444 births in 1993. This high point was maintained relatively consistently throughout the remainder of the decade, with an average of approximately 400 births per year between 1990 and 2000.
However, beginning in the early 2000s, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Katelin. The total number of births decreased by nearly half from 377 in 2001 to 186 in 2007, and this downward trend continued through the next decade. By 2014, only 41 babies were named Katelin at birth.
In recent years, the name Katelin has seen a slight resurgence, with 5 births recorded in both 2020 and 2023. This could indicate that the name may be regaining some popularity among parents once again. However, it is still far from its peak popularity of the mid-1990s.
Overall, while Katelin was a popular choice for baby girls in the United States during the late 20th century, its popularity has since declined and remained relatively stable at a much lower level in recent years.