"pure, clear"
Origin: Greek via Irish
Language: Irish
Catlin
Pronunciation: [ k-ATL-ihn ]
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The Irish soul of the timeless name Katherine
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Meaning & Origin
"innocent, spotless"
Origin: Greek Aikaterine
Language: English
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The Story of Catlin
Catlin is an Irish and English spelling variant of Caitlin, the Irish form of Katherine, which itself traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine. The root meaning is pure, spotless — a quality celebrated across cultures and centuries. Katherine arrived in Ireland with the Normans and was rapidly adopted, transforming through the Irish language into Caitlin, with Catlin being the anglicized form that preserves the original spelling while simplifying pronunciation.
Caitlin and its variants peaked in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s. Catlin, being a less common spelling, maintains its use as a distinctive but recognizable variant for parents wanting something slightly uncommon.
In Ireland, the name Caitlin (and variants like Catlin) holds cultural significance as one of the older Irish adaptations of a foreign name. The name is associated with Caitlín Ní Uallacháin, an allegorical figure representing Ireland in poetry.
Historical Record
Catlin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 1,055 babies have been named Catlin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Catlin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #22,720 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Caitlin Moran is a prominent British feminist author who has made the name widely recognized in literary circles
- The name Katherine and all its variants have been borne by six wives of Henry VIII (three Catherines)
- Caitlín Ní Uallacháin is a legendary Irish poetic figure symbolizing Ireland herself
Catlin in Other Languages
Irish
Caitlín
Welsh
Catrin
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Spanish
Catalina
Popularity Over Time
#22,720
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Catlin
C
Caitlin Moran
Writer
1975
British feminist author, journalist, and TV critic known for 'How to Be a Woman'
C
Caitlin Thomas
Writer
1913
Welsh dancer and writer, wife of poet Dylan Thomas
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Compare Catlin with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #22,720
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English Welsh
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Cat
Catie
Lin
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Catlin
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Catlin
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Also a Boy Name
Catlin is also used as a boy name, ranked #40533.
View Catlin as a boy name →Similar Names
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Welsh origin
"noise, thunder"
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Latin/Germanic origin
"earnest and springlike"
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Latin Venetia origin
"from Venice, from the Veneti people"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Catlin
What does the name Catlin mean?
"pure, clear" (from Greek via Irish). "innocent, spotless" (from Greek Aikaterine). Catlin is an Irish and English spelling variant of Caitlin, the Irish form of Katherine, which itself traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine. The root meaning is pure, spotless — a quality celebrated across cultures and centuries. Katherine arrived in Ireland with the Normans and was rapidly adopted, transforming through the Irish language into Caitlin, with Catlin being the anglicized form that preserves the original spelling while simplifying pronunciation.
What is the origin of the name Catlin?
Catlin has Greek via Irish, Greek Aikaterine, Irish, English, and Welsh origins. In Greek via Irish, it means "pure, clear". In Greek Aikaterine, it means "innocent, spotless".
Is Catlin a boy or girl name?
Catlin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #22720. As a boy name, it is ranked #40533. Catlin is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Catlin?
Catlin is pronounced k-ATL-ihn.
How popular is the name Catlin?
Catlin is currently ranked #22720 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Catlin?
Common nicknames for Catlin include Cat, Catie, and Lin.
What are good middle names for Catlin?
Popular middle name pairings include Catlin Marie, Catlin Anne, Catlin Grace, Catlin Elizabeth, Catlin Rose, and Catlin Jane.
What are good sibling names for Catlin?
Names that pair well with Catlin as siblings include Maeve, Niamh, Aoife, Siobhan, Declan, and Finn.
How many syllables does Catlin have?
Catlin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Catlin a common or rare name?
Catlin is an uncommon name, ranked #22720 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Catlin
Catlin is a girl name with Irish, English, and Welsh origins . The name means "pure, clear" in Greek via Irish .
Is Catlin a boy or girl name? Catlin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #22,720 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,533. Catlin is more commonly used as a girl name.
Catlin is currently ranked #22,720 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Catlin has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-ATL-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Catlin include Cat, Catie, and Lin. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis