Holding steady, #756 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaeli since 1982
Babies named Kaeli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 164 |
| 1990s | 797 |
| 2000s | 852 |
| 2010s | 344 |
| 2020s | 1,290 |
Meaning & origin
Kaeli is a modern American name that first appeared in the Social Security Administration's data in 1982. It reached its peak rank of 756 in 2023, and as of 2025, about 1 in 4,490 newborn girls receives the name. Its trajectory has been stable in recent years, with most bearers concentrated in New Mexico, Mississippi, and Texas. The name reflects the enduring trend of feminine names ending in the -lee sound, a pattern that has fueled variants like Kailey, Kaylee, and Kylie. Though its origins are purely modern and invented, Kaeli has carved out a modest but steady niche among contemporary American baby names.
Kaeli is a modern American name that first appeared in the 1980s. It likely blends sounds from popular names such as Kayla, Kelly, and Kailey, following the trend of names ending in the -lee sound. The name has no documented historical or linguistic roots and is classified as a contemporary coinage.
Where Kaeli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kae, Kai
Sibling names for Kaeli
Names that share Kaeli's style, for a brother or sister.
