Caelan

Updated: October 26, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Caelan is a unique name for boys or girls that comes from ancient Gaelic traditions. It is not yet a top 1,000 option in America, though it remains popular in Ireland and Scotland. As of 2021, for instance, Caelan is a top 5,500 name.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Caelan:

The baby name Caelan is the anglicized variation of Caolan and Caoilfhionn. Both of the latter titles are Gaelic options. Caolan comes from the Irish word “caol,” and parents added an “an” suffix to it. Caoilfhionn also derives from the Irish “caol,” though the term “fionn” is there also. The name means “slender, fair”.

Symbolism of the Name Caelan:

The baby name Caelan means “slender” or “fair” because of the Gaelic options from which it derives. Remember, the word “caol,” which helped to form both Caolan and Caoilfhionn, translates to “slender”. “Fionn,” which inspired the end of Caoilfhionn, means “fair”.

Nicknames for the Name Caelan:

Caelan is a very unique and uncommon name to give a baby. These are our picks for the best Caelan nicknames:

Cae
Cael
Cay Cay
Lan
Lanny
Cal
Lans
Lanner
Lane
C.L.
Cee

Style of the Name Caelan:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Caelan:

Caelan is a unisex baby name given to both boys and girls.

Pronunciation of the Name Caelan:

KAY-lan or SHAY-lin

Number of Syllables in the Name Caelan:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Caelan:

Caelan is a wholesome and kind-hearted baby name. It is natural and refined.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Caelan:

Caelen
Caelin
Caelyn
Cailan
Cailen
Cailin
Cailyn

Popularity of the Name Caelan:

Caelan has no record as a top 1,000 name on the Social Security Popularity Index. As of 2021, however, it is a top 5,500 option. It was at rank 5,485 in that year.