Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kayleigh
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), English· “modern blend of Kay and Leigh”
- Meaning
- modern blend of Kay and Leigh
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- KAY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #804
- US babies 2025
- 340
- Best rank
- #227 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Kayleigh
Kayleigh is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “modern blend of Kay and Leigh”.
Kayleigh is a modern name built from the sounds of Kay and Leigh, closely related to Kayley, Kaylee and Kailey. It is sometimes linked to the Irish surname Caollaidhe, and some sources connect it with the Gaelic ceilidh, a social gathering with music and dancing, though these links are loose. The name became popular in Britain after the rock band Marillion released a hit song called Kayleigh, and it spread widely in the United States in similar forms. Kayleigh is bright and friendly, and Kay is an easy nickname.
Popularity over time
Kayleigh first appears in US Social Security records in 1984. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1985. Its best national rank was #227 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,450 babies. In 2025, 340 babies were named Kayleigh, and it ranked #804 nationally. That is 66% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #349 in 2000, #244 in 2010, and #804 in 2025. Of the 34,561 US girls named Kayleigh since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 10,235 babies. Since 2010, 13,480 more have been named Kayleigh.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jayda, Leila, Haylee, Ashlynn, and Kaydence.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kayleigh ranked highest in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #228 | 12 |
| South Carolina | #282 | 18 |
| Alabama | #381 | 13 |
| Arkansas | #403 | 8 |
| North Carolina | #524 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kayleigh is usually pronounced KAY-lee, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with K and ends in “-gh”.
Middle names for Kayleigh
A few middle names that flow with Kayleigh: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kayleigh
Similar names
Ryleigh Girl
RY-lee
“rye clearing (variant of Riley)” · American (modern coinage)
#344
Oakleigh Girl
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · American (modern coinage)
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Kyleigh Girl
KY-lee
“variant of Kylie” · American (modern coinage)
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Wrenley Girl
REHN-lee
“modern blend of Wren and -ley” · American (modern coinage)
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Kaylee Girl
KAY-lee
“blend of Kay and Lee” · American (modern coinage)
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Piper Girl
PY-pur
“pipe player” · English
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Molly Girl
MAH-lee
“diminutive of Mary” · English
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Lilly Girl
LIH-lee
“lily flower” · English
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Gracie Girl
GRAY-see
“grace” · English
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Callie Girl
KAL-ee
“beautiful” · Greek
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Londyn Girl
LUN-din
“from the city of London” · American (modern coinage)
#388
Tessa Girl
TES-uh
“short for Theresa” · English
#311
Lists that include Kayleigh
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kayleigh mean?
Kayleigh is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “modern blend of Kay and Leigh”.
What is the origin of the name Kayleigh?
Kayleigh has modern American and English roots. Kayleigh is a modern name built from the sounds of Kay and Leigh, closely related to Kayley, Kaylee and Kailey.
Is Kayleigh a popular name?
Yes. Kayleigh ranked #804 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kayleigh a boy or girl name?
Kayleigh is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kayleigh?
Kayleigh 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