Caley

Meaning & origin

Caley is a modern feminine name that emerged in the United States during the 1970s, first recorded in 1973. It experienced a peak in popularity in 1994, when it ranked 109, but has since declined, falling consistently since 1999. In 2025, it ranked 10,917 with an incidence of 1 in 200,908 births. The name likely originated as a variant of Kayley or Caylee, which themselves are Anglicized forms of the Irish surname Caollaidhe, meaning 'slender'. Despite its uncertain etymology, Caley has maintained a steady, if low, usage over the decades. Its simple, melodious sound and spelling variations have contributed to its appeal, though it has never reached the widespread popularity of similar names like Kaylee.

Caley is a relatively modern first name, likely arising as a variant of Kayley or Caylee, which themselves are derived from the Irish surname Caollaidhe (meaning 'slender') or from the Gaelic word 'caol' (slender). It gained popularity as a given name in the United States beginning in the 1970s, possibly influenced by the surname or as a respelling of similar-sounding names.