Declining since 1999, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Cailey since 1984
Babies named Cailey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 109 |
| 1990s | 1,054 |
| 2000s | 1,648 |
| 2010s | 864 |
| 2020s | 182 |
Meaning & origin
Cailey is a modern American name that first appeared in the Social Security Administration records in 1984. Its peak popularity came in 1999, when it ranked highest among girl names. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a trajectory away from the -ee ending names that were fashionable in the late 20th century. As of 2025, Cailey is relatively rare, with an incidence of about 1 in 100,454 births. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state, suggesting a broad but low-level use across the country. Its spelling variation likely appeals to parents seeking a unique twist on the more common Kaylee or Caileigh.
Cailey is a primarily American coinage, first recorded in 1984. It appears to be a respelling or variant of Kaylee, which itself derives from the Irish surname Caileigh or the Gaelic word caol meaning 'slender'. However, Cailey's modern spelling likely emerged as a creative variation, influenced by the popular -ee ending for girls' names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cae, Cay, Cail
Sibling names for Cailey
Names that share Cailey's style, for a brother or sister.
