Message: "Re: Catalina" - Behind the Name

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Re: Catalina

by Bear

1/14/2013, 3:46 PM

Lovely Catalina. I've wondered in the past if that's where the Irish got Caitlin / Cathleen from. Spanish fishermen off the west coast? Or vice-versa? Just something that ambles through my mind.

Anyway, Catalina is perky and youthful and definitely underrated. I wish she and Carlotta got more attention.

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- Catalina (Catalina-lirio) +3

1/14/2013, 6:37 PM

I think it went to France first, with Cateline, which went over with some group (the Normans got it from the Bretons, maybe?) and then over to Ireland. I think. Don't source me on that.

- Bear +2

1/15/2013, 10:26 AM

Cateline is new to me. I love it, thanks! Anything medieval is catnip to this bear.

This puts a new twist on things. Many Irish names have Norman French origins, including my favorites Desmond and Clare. So it makes a lot of sense for Cateline to be the origin of Caitlin. Much obliged. :-)

This message was edited 1/15/2013, 10:27 AM

- Catalina (Catalina-lirio) +1

1/15/2013, 12:48 PM

Oh, I love medieval names too, especially Desmond (though I might like Esmond more... not sure yet.)

- Bear

1/17/2013, 10:43 AM

Esmond! *swoon* What a heartbreaker.

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