Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (33 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 33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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) |
23.69% 873rd/3685 |
29.85% 1336th/4475 |
28.67% 1489th/5194 |
15.39% 972nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
11.59% 531st/4582 |
14.48% 748th/5164 |
8.45% 618th/7313 |
6.85% 511th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.35% 1289th/3984 |
28.82% 1293rd/4487 |
13.24% 903rd/6822 |
20.43% 1282nd/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 Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. 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 falling for female in MidWest, too falling 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 Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16493rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10755th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1183rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 589th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1107th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.