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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Caitlin or Kaitlyn?

67 replies

Bsaunders4231 · 29/05/2022 18:05

I do like Caitlin better personally just because it’s more classic and but my husband prefers Kaitlyn because it’s more modern. Are Caitlin and its variations too dated to be used now?

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CheshireCats · 29/05/2022 23:29

Kaitlyn is dreadful.

Sarah13xx · 29/05/2022 23:27

Caitlin every time 💕

JenniferBarkley · 29/05/2022 23:27

Well I'm Irish so I'll say that Caitlin pronounced Kate-Lynn is the modern, made up, cre8iv, chavvy name as it should only be pronounced cotchleen, coytchleen or cotchlinn depending on the accents used in the spelling and your dialect.

I know, I know, the battle is lost. But I'll still stamp my feet about it like my parents using train station names from 40 years ago.

jackstini · 29/05/2022 23:27

I 100% prefer Caitlin, although do know a lovely Catelyn

None of the K spellings are nice

Libertaire · 29/05/2022 23:14

If you’re going to use a traditional Irish name, please, please spell it correctly. It’s Caitlin. Not Kaitlyn, Kaytlyn, Caytlin or any other made-up chavvy nonsense.

User6761 · 29/05/2022 23:01

Definitely Caitlin. Agree with PP that Catriona is a nice alternative.

PartyGoose · 29/05/2022 22:55

How about Kaitland? I met one at toddler group once and thought it very unique.

Fleur405 · 29/05/2022 22:53

Caitlin is lovely. Kaitlyn, not so much!

Wolfiefan · 29/05/2022 22:51

Caitlin. Unless you’re a Kardashian.

toastofthetown · 29/05/2022 22:49

I prefer Caitlin. I’d probably assume a Kaitlyn/Katelyn was American, as Kaitlyn was a top 30 name in the US in the early 2000s when Caitlin was the most popular spelling over here I do feel it’s a dated as a name, but whether it’s too dated is up to you.

MissPocket · 29/05/2022 21:37

Caitlin

Kite22 · 29/05/2022 21:35

Caitlin

I agree with what @AssignedSlytherinAtBirth said.

Luredbyapomegranate · 29/05/2022 21:07

Caitlin is nice, not dated at all

Kaitlyn is an appalling younique spelling that is only suited to a character in a downmarket daytime soap. Do not do it. People will Make Assumptions.

If he wants something more unusual then there is the Welsh/Breton Catrin or the E Euro Katya

AssignedSlytherinAtBirth · 29/05/2022 19:05

My thoughts are that cre8iv spellings are short-lived and will not stand the test of time. They also reflect badly on the child. (They shouldn't, of course, but they can do.) I think you're better to use Caitlin.

DogsAndGin · 29/05/2022 19:04

Caitlin

Hazelnuttree · 29/05/2022 19:03

Caitlin, definitely not Kaitlyn. Not keen on either though. I like the Welsh Catrin. Or how about Katrina / Catriona?

KirstenBlest · 29/05/2022 18:58

Caitlin is ok, Kaitlyn is not.
It was very popular about 20 years ago. Spelling it strangely will just cause problems
names.darkgreener.com/#caitlin