MallowbyNames

Kayle

KAYL · Of debated origin; possibly derived from the Irish surname Caollaidhe or Kay, or a modern feminine elaboration of Kyle.

2025 rank (girls)
#7,885
Babies named in 2025
13
Peak popularity
2000
2025 frequency
1 in 123,636 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1999

Declining since 1999, #7,885 for girls today.

Popularity of Kayle since 1948

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

631271901960198020002020Most births 2000GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1940s05
1950s1110
1960s1336
1970s3765
1980s418142
1990s1,358178
2000s1,460143
2010s63347
2020s980

Meaning & origin

Kayle first appeared in U.S. Social Security data in 1955, a relatively recent introduction among given names. Its popularity peaked in 2000, after which it has followed a generally falling trajectory. In 2025, Kayle ranked 7,885, meaning roughly 1 in 123,636 newborns received the name that year. The name's origins are uncertain and likely modern, possibly blending elements of Kay and Kyle or drawing from surnames. Despite its unisex potential, Kayle has been predominantly used for girls. Its most common nickname is Kay, and variant spellings include Kail, Kale, and Kyle. Parents considering Kayle may also like similar-sounding names for siblings such as Kyla, Kelsey, and Kyle.

Kayle entered U.S. birth records in 1955 and saw its peak popularity in 2000. It is likely a modern coinage inspired by surnames such as Kayle or by blending sounds from names like Kay and Kyle. The name has been used predominantly for girls, though its unisex spelling leaves some ambiguity. No clear ancient etymology has been established.

Kayle” around the world

Where Kayle 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

Variants: Kail, Kale, Kyle

Sibling names for Kayle

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

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

K is for Kayle, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kayle…”

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

Make Kayle's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kayle mean?
The meaning of Kayle is uncertain. It may be derived from the Irish surname Caollaidhe or from the name Kay, or it may be a modern feminine variant of Kyle.
Is Kayle currently a popular name?
Kayle is a rare name in the United States. In 2025, it ranked 7,885 with approximately 1 in 123,636 newborns given the name.
Is Kayle a boy or girl name?
Kayle is most commonly used for girls, but it has also been used for boys, making it a unisex name.