Declining since 2004, #1,417 for girls today.
Popularity of Kailey since 1970
Babies named Kailey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 1,006 |
| 1990s | 6,830 |
| 2000s | 11,836 |
| 2010s | 6,154 |
| 2020s | 1,408 |
Meaning & origin
Kailey is a modern spelling of Kaylee, a name that has been used since the 1970s in the United States but saw its peak popularity in 2004, when it ranked highest on the Social Security list. While its Gaelic root caol suggests a meaning of 'slender' or 'fair,' many parents choose Kailey simply for its pleasant sound and the popular -lee ending. As of 2025, the name has been on a declining trajectory since its peak, with about 1 in 10,505 newborn girls receiving the name, placing it at rank 1417. Kailey is most common in states such as Illinois, Texas, and Virginia, reflecting its broad but not overwhelming appeal. The name's steady but falling usage suggests it remains a familiar choice without being overly trendy.
Kailey is a modern spelling variant of Kaylee, which itself stems from the Irish surname Caollaidhe (anglicized as Keiley or Kelly). The Gaelic root caol means 'slender' or 'fair.' In the late 20th century, the -lee suffix became fashionable for girls' names, and spellings like Kailey, Kaylee, and Kailee gained popularity in the United States.
Where Kailey 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.
“Kailey” around the world
Where Kailey 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: Kay, Lee, Kai
Sibling names for Kailey
Names that share Kailey's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kailey
Names whose popularity has moved with Kailey's over the last 50 years.
