Katelyn is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Caitlín". This surname is a diminutive form of the Irish name "Caoimhe", which means "gentle" or "beautiful". The name has evolved over time and has taken on various spellings such as Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Kailey, and Katie.
The name Katelyn gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. It was among the top 500 most popular names for girls during those decades. However, it has since declined in popularity and is now less commonly used as a given name.
Despite its decline in popularity, Katelyn remains a unique and attractive name option for parents looking for an Irish-inspired name with a modern twist. Its meaning of "gentle" or "beautiful" adds to its appeal, while its various spelling options provide flexibility for parents who want to choose a name that is easy to pronounce but still stands out.
Overall, Katelyn is a charming and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful origin. While it may not be as popular today as it once was, it remains a beloved choice among those who appreciate its Irish roots and beautiful meaning.
The name Katelyn has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
In the early 1970s, Katelyn was a rarity, with only nine births recorded in 1970 and five in 1971. However, the trend began to shift in the mid-1970s, with fourteen births in 1976 and twenty-one in 1977.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name Katelyn. In 1980, there were 132 births, more than doubling to 242 in 1982. By 1985, the number had risen to 1418, and it continued to climb throughout the late 1980s.
The name Katelyn reached its peak popularity in the early 1990s, with a total of 5974 births recorded in 1993. This trend persisted until the mid-1990s, with over 5000 births each year from 1992 to 1996.
However, after 1996, the popularity of the name Katelyn began to decline steadily. By the early 2000s, the number of annual births had dropped to around 5000, and it continued to decrease throughout the decade.
The decline in popularity of the name Katelyn has continued into the twenty-first century. In recent years, the number of annual births has been consistently below 1000, with only 312 recorded in 2023.
Overall, the name Katelyn has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past fifty years in the United States. While it was once a rare name, it reached its peak popularity in the early 1990s before declining steadily in recent decades.