Girl · 589th of 35,406
Kailee
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
12,851
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2003
Peak Popularity Year
584
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kailee stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Kailee is a modern name with roots tracing back to the Old Welsh name Cai, meaning 'rejoice.' It evolved through the Middle English form Kay and became popular in the United States in the late 20th century. The name is often associated with a playful and cheerful character, and while it does not have biblical significance, it remains a favored choice among parents seeking unique names. Notable individuals with this name include actress Kailee McKenzie and singer-songwriter Kailee Morgue.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪli/
Origin
American English
Etymology
Kailee is a modern American variant of the name Kay, which itself is derived from the Old Welsh name Cai, meaning 'rejoice.' It has been popularized through various cultural influences, particularly in the United States.
Meaning
rejoice
Language Evolution
Cai (Old Welsh), Kay (Middle English), Kailee (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Kailee gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, as parents sought unique and modern names for their children.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaylee, Kaili, Kylie
Modern Popularity & Image
Kailee is perceived as a trendy and youthful name, often associated with a playful and cheerful personality.
Famous People
Kailee McKenzie (American actress), Kailee Morgue (American singer-songwriter)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 584 peak births in 2003
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 33 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16493rd of 24088 | 23 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10755th of 19264 | 38 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1183rd of 27321 | 2,208 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 589th of 35406 | 7,816 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1107th of 30306 | 2,761 |