Girl · 418th of 35,406
Kiley
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
20,207
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2008
Peak Popularity Year
1,097
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kiley 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
Kiley is an Irish name derived from the surname Ó Cadhla, which means 'handsome' or 'beautiful'. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century. The name is often associated with modernity and vibrancy, although it has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkaɪli/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kiley is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cadhla, which means 'descendant of Cadhla'. The name Cadhla itself is derived from the Irish word 'cadh', meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful'.
Meaning
handsome, beautiful
Language Evolution
Ó Cadhla, Cadhla, Kiley
Historical Usage
Kiley gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has been used for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly a feminine name.
Variants & Derivatives
Kylie, Kileigh, Kailie
Modern Popularity & Image
Kiley is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with youthfulness and vibrancy. It is popular among parents looking for unique yet accessible names for their children.
Famous People
Kiley McDaniel, an American baseball writer., Kiley Reid, an American novelist.
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:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,097 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Nebraska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 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 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1414th of 10718 | 594 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2658th of 16616 | 369 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7998th of 24088 | 129 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9454th of 12526 | 18 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1557th of 19264 | 1,018 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 771st of 27321 | 3,978 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 418th of 35406 | 11,764 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1242nd of 30306 | 2,332 |