Cailin

Cailin is an Irish name with Gaelic origins, traditionally used for girls but occasionally given to boys. It means 'slender' or 'pure' and is derived from the Gaelic word 'caol,' referring to something slim or narrow. As a masculine name, Cailin is quite rare and unconventional. The name carries a melodic quality with its soft sounds, making it appealing across genders. In Irish tradition, pronunciation is typically 'KAY-lin' or 'KY-lin.' While gaining some recognition internationally, Cailin remains strongly connected to Irish heritage and culture, representing a bridge between traditional naming practices and modern gender-fluid naming trends.

Pronounced KAY-lin.

As of October 2026, Cailin ranked #12763 in US births in 2009 SSA, peaked at #7670 in 1998.