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Baby names

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Original poster

Caitlin, Kaitlyn or Katelyn?

37 replies

hcarter8 · 06/09/2023 18:41

I'm due soon and still struggling on picking a girls name, I think the spelling Caitlin looks very classic and timeless but Dh likes the Katelyn or Kaitlyn spelling. I'm also concerned if it would sound too dated these days? I personally think the original spelling will stand the test of time but not keen on the spellings Dh likes, they seem very American.
Thoughts?

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SunnyFog · 30/09/2023 10:49

Katelyn for that pronunciation.
Caitlín is a Gaelicised Old French Cateline. For decades it was Anglicised Kathleen.

DaisyWaldron · 30/09/2023 08:12

Zanatdy · 30/09/2023 06:41

I know a few Caitlin’s and it’s pronounced Kate-Lyn in the U.K., never heard anyone pronounce it differently in England. Granted it’s got a different pronunciation in Ireland, but I’ve never heard anyone pronounce it the traditional Irish way here so I’d spell it how you like

I think there are probably plenty of people in the Irish parts of the UK who don't pronounce it Kaitlyn.

CarpeDiemCarpeDontem · 30/09/2023 07:04

I know someone called Katelyn and it doesn’t look or feel American to me! I really like it as it’s unusual enough of a spelling for me to never have come across another but not like trying too hard to be unique for uniques sake

Zanatdy · 30/09/2023 06:41

I know a few Caitlin’s and it’s pronounced Kate-Lyn in the U.K., never heard anyone pronounce it differently in England. Granted it’s got a different pronunciation in Ireland, but I’ve never heard anyone pronounce it the traditional Irish way here so I’d spell it how you like

Zanatdy · 30/09/2023 06:38

I’d personally stick with a C, so Caitlin or Caitlyn. I know someone who went with a K spelling as she wanted to call her Katie and didn’t feel wrong spelling it Caity

DaisyWaldron · 30/09/2023 06:31

If you want people to pronounce it Kate-linn, then Kaitlyn or Katelyn.

Caitlin isn't pronounced that way.

Bazinga007 · 30/09/2023 04:49

Caitlin

user1492757084 · 30/09/2023 03:54

Caitlin or Kate or Catriona or Kathleen

Saoirse82 · 30/09/2023 03:43

Another Irish poster here.

My DDs middle name is Cáitlín (Catchleen) so I'm a bit of a stickler for the correct spelling. I'd go for Katelyn which is a pretty name.

PickledScrump · 09/09/2023 09:43

Caitlyn is the only spelling I’ve come across, it’s still pronounced the same. I wouldn’t say it was a classic and seems very dated now. Kate is a much better option

RonniePickering · 09/09/2023 09:42

Caitlyn

LittleBearPad · 09/09/2023 09:41

Caitlyn.

tinytemper66 · 09/09/2023 09:40

Caitlin all the way.

continentallentil · 09/09/2023 09:33

Also to throw Catrin into the ring

which is Breton traditionally

Ivebeentogeorgia · 09/09/2023 09:33

I would pronounce Caitlin and Katelyn the same - didn’t realise they weren’t the same.

I know it wasn’t an option but I like Caitlyn

continentallentil · 09/09/2023 09:32

inverness123 · 08/09/2023 14:32

I agree with PP - don’t use Caitlin if you want it to be pronounced Katelyn. I know that battles lost but it still annoys me and I would say it’s more American to pronounce Caitlin that way than to use another spelling.

The battle is long lost

Anyone is the UK will pronounce Caitlin as phonetically as Kate-lin. There’s no point using a dopey spelling.

continentallentil · 09/09/2023 09:31

Caitlin

It’s always said Kate-lin in the UK and US (which I think it’s nicer than the original Irish pronunciation personally)

Katelyn and Kaitlyn are a bit Kardashian - don’t do it, it’s v naff.

ChildrenOfTheQuorn · 09/09/2023 08:16

Caitlin, for the reasons given above.

Fivebeanchilli · 08/09/2023 15:16

Caitlin.
I know the pronunciation isn't correct but 95% of people will say it how you want it.
And it looks much better than the other spellings.

peaceinourtime · 08/09/2023 15:09

Caitlin or Kaitlyn

inverness123 · 08/09/2023 14:32

I agree with PP - don’t use Caitlin if you want it to be pronounced Katelyn. I know that battles lost but it still annoys me and I would say it’s more American to pronounce Caitlin that way than to use another spelling.

Zimunya · 08/09/2023 14:19

I know you didn't ask this, but an alternative spelling is Kaitlin.

DanceMumTaxi · 08/09/2023 14:09

Caitlin

Olika · 08/09/2023 13:45

Caitlyn

Notagains · 08/09/2023 13:38

Caitlin