MallowbyNames

Kaleigha

kuh-LEE-uh · Of uncertain origin, possibly a modern invented name or a variant of Kaleigh or Kalea, which may be linked to Hawaiian Kalea meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,067
Babies named in 2025
35
Peak popularity
2010
2025 frequency
1 in 45,922 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2011

Declining since 2011, #4,067 for girls today.

Popularity of Kaleigha since 1996

Babies named Kaleigha per year in U.S. Social Security records.

224567200020102020Most births 2010Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s17
2000s249
2010s532
2020s219

Meaning & origin

Kaleigha is a modern invented name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1996, at a time when names incorporating the 'leigh' and 'a' suffixes were surging in popularity. It reached its peak rank of 4067 in 2010, but has since been on a declining trajectory, dropping significantly after 2011. The name is quite rare, with an incidence of about 1 in 46,000 births. While its meaning is uncertain, it likely emerged as a creative spelling variant within the broader trend of names like Kaleigh, Kaylee, and Aaliyah. Kaleigha has not been associated with any particular region, as it lacks concentration in any top states. This rarity and modern construction make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that feels contemporary and unique.

Kaleigha is a modern coinage that first appeared in U.S. records in the mid-1990s. It likely combines the popular prefix Ka- with the fashionable -leigh and -a suffixes seen in names like Kaleigh and Aaliyah. While some sources suggest a possible Hawaiian connection via Kalea, the name's construction and recent emergence support its classification as a modern invention.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kali, Leigh, Kaya

Variants: Kaleah, Kaleigh, Kalea

Sibling names for Kaleigha

Names that share Kaleigha's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kaleigha, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kaleigha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kaleigha's letter becomes Kaleigha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kaleigha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kaleigha mean?
Kaleigha is a name of uncertain origin, but it may be a modern variation of names like Kaleigh or Kalea. Some sources link Kalea to a Hawaiian word meaning 'joy' or 'happiness', but this connection is speculative.
How popular is the name Kaleigha?
Kaleigha first appeared in U.S. data in 1996 and reached its peak rank of 4,067 in 2010. As of the latest data, it is given to about 1 in 46,000 babies, indicating very low usage.
Is Kaleigha a boy's or girl's name?
Kaleigha is almost exclusively used for girls.