Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Cailey is of Irish origin, meaning 'slender' or 'narrow'. It evolved from the Gaelic name Caollaidhe. The name is often associated with a youthful and trendy image, gaining popularity in the late 20th century. There is no biblical relevance linked to the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪli/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Cailey is derived from the Gaelic name 'Caollaidhe', which means 'slender' or 'narrow'.
Meaning
slender, narrow
Language Evolution
Caollaidhe, Cailey, Kaylee
Historical Usage
Cailey gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s as a modern variation of traditional names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaylee, Kylie, Kailie
Modern Popularity & Image
Cailey is perceived as a modern, trendy name often associated with a youthful and vibrant image.
Famous People
Cailey Fleming, an American actress known for her role in The Walking Dead., Cailey McKenzie, a popular social media influencer.
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 198 peak births in 1999
Geographic Spread
Popular across 31 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (44 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 44 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2798th of 27321 | 628 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1348th of 35406 | 2,542 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2988th of 30306 | 671 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
58.72% 2164th/3685 |
93.65% 4191st/4475 |
54.16% 2813th/5194 |
48.49% 3063rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
26.65% 1221st/4582 |
25.95% 1340th/5164 |
19.01% 1390th/7313 |
25.35% 1892nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
70.93% 2826th/3984 |
75.60% 3392nd/4487 |
43.30% 2954th/6822 |
41.73% 2619th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Florida across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2798th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1348th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2988th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.