Declining since 2004, #3,517 for girls today.
Popularity of Kayli since 1978
Babies named Kayli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 490 |
| 1990s | 2,257 |
| 2000s | 2,882 |
| 2010s | 1,183 |
| 2020s | 316 |
Meaning & origin
Kayli is a modern English name that entered U.S. records in 1978, a time when creative spellings of popular names were on the rise. It reached its peak rank of 3517 in 2003, when approximately 1 in 37,378 newborn girls received the name. Since 2004, its popularity has steadily declined, reflecting a broader trend away from the -lee suffix names that dominated the 1990s and early 2000s. The name was most popular in the states of Florida and Texas, where families often embraced innovative spellings. Like many modern coinages, Kayli does not have a traditional etymology but is understood as a variant of Kaylee, blending the familiar Kay with the fashionable -lee ending. Its short, two-syllable sound and familiar nicknames Kay and Lee give it a friendly, approachable feel, though its usage remains relatively rare in the 2020s.
Kayli is a modern name that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It is a variant spelling of Kaylee, which originated as a combination of the name Kay (often a short form of Katherine) and the fashionable -lee suffix. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1978 and peaked in popularity in 2003.
Where Kayli 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kay, Lee
Sibling names for Kayli
Names that share Kayli's style, for a brother or sister.
