What does Eilidh mean?
Eilidh is a Scottish Gaelic name linked to Helen, “sun” or “light.”
What does Catriona mean?
Catriona is the Scottish Gaelic form of Katherine, traditionally “pure.”
Eilidh vs Catriona
Which is more popular?
Eilidh is more popular than Catriona today: about 12 US babies were given the name Eilidh in 2025, compared with 0 named Catriona.
| Eilidh | Catriona | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Sun, light | Pure |
| Origin | Scottish | Scottish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | AY-lee | kah-TREE-nah |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1999 | 1965 |
| Peak year | 2019 (18) | 1998 (32) |
| In 2025 | 12 | 0 |
| Trend | Rising | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Eilidh
Catriona
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Eilidh | Catriona |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 81 | 49 |
| 2010s | 108 | 127 |
| 2000s | 81 | 207 |
| 1990s | 5 | 152 |
| 1980s | 0 | 97 |
| 1970s | 0 | 27 |
| 1960s | 0 | 24 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Eilidh or Catriona more popular?
Eilidh is more popular than Catriona today: about 12 US babies were given the name Eilidh in 2025, compared with 0 named Catriona.
What is the difference between Eilidh and Catriona?
Eilidh means Sun, light (Scottish origin), while Catriona means Pure (Scottish origin).
Which name is older, Eilidh or Catriona?
In US records, Eilidh first appears in 1999 and Catriona in 1965, so Catriona has the longer recorded history.