Declining since 2003, #1,962 for girls today.
Popularity of Kailee since 1976
Babies named Kailee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 522 |
| 1990s | 3,127 |
| 2000s | 5,146 |
| 2010s | 3,310 |
| 2020s | 792 |
Meaning & origin
Kailee is a modern American name that first appeared in records in 1976, part of a wave of phonetic spellings of the popular Kaylee. Its peak came in 2003, when it ranked highest in usage, but since that year its popularity has been steadily declining. As of 2025, it sits at rank 1962, with approximately 1 in 16,401 newborn girls receiving the name. Geographically, the name has seen the most use in Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee. Kailee remains a recognizable but uncommon choice, reflecting the broader trend of creatively spelled names that emerged in the late 20th century.
Kailee is a modern spelling variant of Kaylee, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Caollaidhe, derived from 'caol' meaning 'slender' or 'fair'. The name emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, gaining popularity as part of the trend for names ending in '-lee' or '-ley'. It has been used consistently since its first recorded appearance in 1976.
Where Kailee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kailee” around the world
Where Kailee lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Leigh
Sibling names for Kailee
Names that share Kailee's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kailee
Names whose popularity has moved with Kailee's over the last 50 years.
