Cailee Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-lee //ˈkeɪli//
Origin: English; Irish
Meaning: English: slender; Irish: derived from 'Caolinn', meaning 'slender girl'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cailee is a modern variant of the name Kaylee, which itself is derived from the combination of the names Kay and Lee. The name Kay has roots in the Old Welsh name Cai, which means 'rejoice' or 'to be glad.' The name Lee originates from Old English, meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' The evolution of these names reflects a blend of linguistic influences, particularly from Celtic and Anglo-Saxon traditions, which have shaped many names in the English-speaking world.
The transition into English likely occurred through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which introduced a variety of names and linguistic elements into the English lexicon. Historically, the name Kay has been associated with figures in Arthurian legend, notably Sir Kay, who was a knight of the Round Table.
This association with chivalric tales from the medieval period contributed to the name's enduring presence in literature and culture. The name Lee has been widely used as both a given name and a surname, appearing in various historical contexts, including notable figures in American history.
The combination of Kay and Lee into Kaylee can be traced back to the late 20th century, where it gained traction as a feminine name, leading to the emergence of Cailee as a variant. Culturally, names like Cailee resonate with themes of nature and joy, reflecting a broader trend in naming practices that emphasize positive attributes and connections to the environment.
The use of diminutive forms, such as Kay or Lee, often conveys affection and familiarity, which may enhance the appeal of names like Cailee. Overall, the name encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, drawing from historical narratives and traditional associations that have contributed to its development.
Famous people named Cailee
In this section, you will find notable people named Cailee. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cailee who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cailee who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cailee Spaeny is an actress best known for The Craft: Legacy, Pacific Rim: Uprising, and Bad Times at the El Royale.
Cailee McCullough is a singer-songwriter best known for her music releases and performances.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cailee, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cailee. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cailee was first seen in the United States in 1986.
Cailee has ranked as high as #3409 nationally, which occurred in 1999, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio.
In the past 5 years the name Cailee has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cailee is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cailee was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cailee.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 31 | 31 |
| 2024 | 31 | 31 |
| 2023 | 22 | 22 |
| 2022 | 35 | 35 |
| 2021 | 30 | 30 |
| 2020 | 34 | 34 |
| 2019 | 49 | 49 |
| 2018 | 37 | 37 |
| 2017 | 56 | 56 |
| 2016 | 62 | 62 |
| 2015 | 56 | 56 |
| 2014 | 63 | 63 |
| 2013 | 52 | 52 |
| 2012 | 50 | 50 |
| 2011 | 58 | 58 |
| 2010 | 61 | 61 |
| 2009 | 70 | 70 |
| 2008 | 76 | 76 |
| 2007 | 42 | 42 |
| 2006 | 56 | 56 |
| 2005 | 48 | 48 |
| 2004 | 63 | 63 |
| 2003 | 75 | 75 |
| 2002 | 65 | 65 |
| 2001 | 57 | 57 |
| 2000 | 54 | 54 |
| 1999 | 77 | 77 |
| 1998 | 60 | 60 |
| 1997 | 39 | 39 |
| 1996 | 47 | 47 |
| 1995 | 41 | 41 |
| 1994 | 28 | 28 |
| 1993 | 37 | 37 |
| 1992 | 22 | 22 |
| 1991 | 32 | 32 |
| 1990 | 23 | 23 |
| 1989 | 21 | 21 |
| 1988 | 14 | 14 |
| 1987 | 11 | 11 |
| 1986 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Cailee (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 6 |