Cailin Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-lin //ˈkeɪlɪn//
Origin: Irish; Scottish
Meaning: Irish: girl; Scottish: a young girl or lass
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cailin has its roots in the Irish language, derived from the word "cailín," which translates to "girl" or "young woman." This term is a diminutive form of "cailinín," which is a more affectionate term for a young girl. The linguistic journey of Cailin can be traced back to Old Irish, where it was used to denote a young female, reflecting the cultural significance of youth and femininity in Irish society.
As the name transitioned into English usage, it retained its original meaning, emphasizing the youthful and feminine qualities associated with it. Historically, the name Cailin has been part of Irish culture for centuries, often appearing in folklore and literature.
While specific historical milestones directly linked to the name are scarce, the broader cultural context of Ireland during the medieval period saw the emergence of various names that celebrated youth and beauty. The name's presence in Irish poetry and songs further solidified its place in the cultural fabric of the nation.
Additionally, the name has been used in various forms of art and storytelling, contributing to its enduring appeal. Culturally, Cailin embodies a sense of innocence and vitality, often associated with the spirit of youth in Irish traditions.
The name has also been linked to various symbols of femininity and grace, making it a cherished choice in Irish heritage. The diminutive form "Cailín" is often used affectionately, showcasing the name's versatility and the warmth associated with it.
Overall, Cailin reflects a rich linguistic heritage and a deep-rooted cultural significance that resonates through Irish history.
Famous people named Cailin
In this section, you will find notable people named Cailin. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cailin who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cailin who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cailin Russo is a singer and actress best known for her work with the band The Vamps, and her appearances in various music videos.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cailin, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cailin. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cailin was first seen in the United States in 1968.
Cailin has ranked as high as #1969 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Cailin has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cailin is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cailin was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cailin.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 | 26 | 0 | 26 |
| 2021 | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| 2020 | 42 | 0 | 42 |
| 2019 | 29 | 0 | 29 |
| 2018 | 33 | 0 | 33 |
| 2017 | 29 | 0 | 29 |
| 2016 | 24 | 0 | 24 |
| 2015 | 50 | 0 | 50 |
| 2014 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| 2013 | 65 | 0 | 65 |
| 2012 | 81 | 0 | 81 |
| 2011 | 100 | 0 | 100 |
| 2010 | 133 | 0 | 133 |
| 2009 | 120 | 5 | 115 |
| 2008 | 137 | 0 | 137 |
| 2007 | 142 | 5 | 137 |
| 2006 | 132 | 0 | 132 |
| 2005 | 144 | 0 | 144 |
| 2004 | 147 | 0 | 147 |
| 2003 | 164 | 0 | 164 |
| 2002 | 160 | 7 | 153 |
| 2001 | 146 | 0 | 146 |
| 2000 | 150 | 0 | 150 |
| 1999 | 131 | 0 | 131 |
| 1998 | 169 | 7 | 162 |
| 1997 | 143 | 0 | 143 |
| 1996 | 129 | 6 | 123 |
| 1995 | 127 | 0 | 127 |
| 1994 | 129 | 0 | 129 |
| 1993 | 75 | 0 | 75 |
| 1992 | 56 | 0 | 56 |
| 1991 | 62 | 0 | 62 |
| 1990 | 71 | 0 | 71 |
| 1989 | 59 | 0 | 59 |
| 1988 | 59 | 0 | 59 |
| 1987 | 64 | 0 | 64 |
| 1986 | 40 | 0 | 40 |
| 1985 | 39 | 0 | 39 |
| 1984 | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| 1983 | 44 | 0 | 44 |
| 1982 | 35 | 0 | 35 |
| 1981 | 17 | 0 | 17 |
| 1980 | 19 | 0 | 19 |
| 1979 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 1978 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 1977 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1976 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 1975 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 1973 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1968 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
Top States for Cailin (2022)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 7 |