Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Caleigh
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “modern form of Kayleigh”
- Meaning
- modern form of Kayleigh
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,474
- US babies 2025
- 44
- Best rank
- #703 (1999)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Caleigh
Caleigh is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “modern form of Kayleigh”.
Caleigh is a modern spelling of Kayleigh, a name that became popular in English-speaking countries in the late twentieth century. It is often linked to the Irish ceilidh, a social gathering with music and dance, and to the surname Kelly, though its exact source is debated. This spelling with a soft C and -eigh ending gives it an Irish-inspired look. Caleigh sounds cheerful and lively, and it is usually pronounced KAY-lee. Cal, Cali and Kay are all possible nicknames, depending on the style you prefer.
Popularity over time
Caleigh first appears in US Social Security records in 1984. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 6 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #703 in 1999, the same year it reached its highest count of 322 babies. In 2025, 44 babies were named Caleigh, and it ranked #3,474 nationally. That is 77% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #880 in 2000, #1,156 in 2010, and #3,474 in 2025. Of the 5,768 US girls named Caleigh since records began, 42% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,548 babies. Since 2010, 1,962 more have been named Caleigh.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jackeline, Savana, Kaylah, Rosalinda, and Dejah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Caleigh ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #3385 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Caleigh is usually pronounced KAY-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-gh”.
Middle names for Caleigh
A few middle names that flow with Caleigh: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Caleigh
Similar names
Kyleigh Girl
KY-lee
“variant of Kylie” · American (modern coinage)
#1,202
Ryleigh Girl
RY-lee
“rye clearing (variant of Riley)” · American (modern coinage)
#344
Kayleigh Girl
KAY-lee
“modern blend of Kay and Leigh” · American (modern coinage)
#804
Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine form of Brian” · Irish
#2,548
Kailey Girl
KAY-lee
“modern spelling of Kayleigh” · American (modern coinage)
#1,420
Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,793
Brenna Girl
BREH-nuh
Irish
#1,846
Kaitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
“Irish form of Katherine; often linked to pure” · Irish
#4,114
Kaitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“form of Caitlin, from Catherine” · American (modern coinage)
#802
Raegan Girl
RAY-guhn
“from an Irish surname; possibly little king” · Irish
#506
Rylie Girl
RY-lee
“variant of Riley” · Irish
#478
Ashlynn Girl
ASH-lin
“blend of Ashley and Lynn” · American (modern coinage)
#980
Lists that include Caleigh
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Caleigh mean?
Caleigh is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “modern form of Kayleigh”.
What is the origin of the name Caleigh?
Caleigh has modern American and Irish roots. Caleigh is a modern spelling of Kayleigh, a name that became popular in English-speaking countries in the late twentieth century.
Is Caleigh a popular name?
Not especially. Caleigh ranked #3,474 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Caleigh a boy or girl name?
Caleigh is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Caleigh?
Caleigh is usually pronounced KAY-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings