Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kaylene is a modern English name derived from the name Kay, possibly linked to Gaelic roots meaning 'slender' or 'fair'. The name has evolved through variations like Kailyn, and it gained popularity in the late 20th century. It is often associated with grace and beauty and lacks biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/keɪˈliːn/
Origin
Modern English
Etymology
The name Kaylene is a modern invented name, likely derived from the name Kay, which itself may have roots in various cultures, including the Gaelic name 'Caoin', meaning 'slender' or 'fair'. The suffix '-lene' is often used in feminine names.
Meaning
pure, slender
Language Evolution
Kay, Kailyn, Kaylene
Historical Usage
Kaylene began to gain popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.
Variants & Derivatives
Kay, Kailyn, Kylie
Modern Popularity & Image
Kaylene is perceived as a modern and feminine name, often associated with qualities of grace and beauty. It is not overly common, making it distinctive.
Famous People
Kaylene Harris - an Australian murder victim whose case drew media attention., Kaylene McCabe - a professional athlete in women's rugby.
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 197 peak births in 1993
Geographic Spread
Popular across 24 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
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 (29 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 29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3410th of 9204 | 131 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1710th of 12526 | 720 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2085th of 19264 | 652 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1587th of 27321 | 1,430 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2092nd of 35406 | 1,425 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2973rd of 30306 | 675 |
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) |
95.54% 1477th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
68.66% 1529th/2227 |
- | - |
41.05% 1139th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
64.32% 1889th/2937 |
- | - |
39.96% 1616th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
38.21% 1408th/3685 |
42.19% 1888th/4475 |
59.99% 3116th/5194 |
19.34% 1222nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
42.73% 1958th/4582 |
32.51% 1679th/5164 |
43.85% 3207th/7313 |
20.89% 1559th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
45.73% 1822nd/3984 |
38.36% 1721st/4487 |
70.74% 4826th/6822 |
45.43% 2851st/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 Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West 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 Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3410th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1710th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2085th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1587th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2092nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2973rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.