Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kailey
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “modern spelling of Kayleigh”
- Meaning
- modern spelling of Kayleigh
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,420
- US babies 2025
- 153
- Best rank
- #228 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Kailey
Kailey is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “modern spelling of Kayleigh”.
Kailey is one of several modern spellings of Kayleigh, a name that became fashionable in the late twentieth century. Kayleigh is usually explained as a blend of Kay with the popular -leigh ending, though some link it to the Irish surname Ó Caollaidhe, anglicized as Kealy or Kiely. It also shares its sound with the Irish word céilí, a social gathering with music and dance, which may have helped it feel familiar. Because the name was shaped by fashion as much as by history, its meaning is best taken loosely. Kailey is cheerful and easy to say, and it rarely needs a nickname.
Popularity over time
Kailey first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1987. Its best national rank was #228 in 2004, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,439 babies. In 2025, 153 babies were named Kailey, and it ranked #1,420 nationally. That is 74% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #11,092 in 1980, #305 in 2000, #384 in 2010, and #1,420 in 2025. Of the 27,244 US girls named Kailey since records began, 43% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 6,830 babies. Since 2010, 7,562 more have been named Kailey.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Macy, Kira, Carolina, Makenna, and Perla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kailey ranked highest in Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #881 | 10 |
| Texas | #1136 | 24 |
| Florida | #1200 | 12 |
| California | #1203 | 21 |
| Virginia | #1274 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kailey is usually pronounced KAY-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Kailey
A few middle names that flow with Kailey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kailey
Similar names
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FIHN-lee
“fair warrior” · Scottish
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KAY-see
“vigilant, watchful” · Irish
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KIHN-lee
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Miley Girl
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Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
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Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
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Wrenley Girl
REHN-lee
“modern blend of Wren and -ley” · American (modern coinage)
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Brenna Girl
BREH-nuh
Irish
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Kaitlin Girl
KAYT-lihn
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Caleigh Girl
KAY-lee
“modern form of Kayleigh” · American (modern coinage)
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Tierney Girl
TEER-nee
“descendant of Tighearnach: lord” · Irish
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Kaitlyn Girl
KAYT-lihn
“form of Caitlin, from Catherine” · American (modern coinage)
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Lists that include Kailey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kailey mean?
Kailey is an American (modern coinage) and Irish name that is usually said to mean “modern spelling of Kayleigh”.
What is the origin of the name Kailey?
Kailey has modern American and Irish roots. Kailey is one of several modern spellings of Kayleigh, a name that became fashionable in the late twentieth century.
Is Kailey a popular name?
Not especially. Kailey ranked #1,420 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kailey a boy or girl name?
Kailey is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kailey?
Kailey 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