Kailie Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-lee //ˈkeɪli//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: slender; English: a variant of Kaylee
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kailie is believed to have roots in the Gaelic language, specifically deriving from the name Caollaidhe, which means 'slender' or 'fair.' This name likely evolved through various linguistic adaptations, moving from Gaelic into Anglicized forms. The transition into English occurred as Gaelic-speaking populations interacted with English speakers, particularly during the medieval period when the British Isles experienced significant cultural exchange and linguistic blending.
The name's phonetic structure was simplified and modified, leading to the contemporary spelling of Kailie. Historically, names with similar roots have been present in various forms across Celtic cultures, often associated with qualities such as grace and beauty.
The name Caollaidhe can be traced back to early medieval Ireland, where it was used among the Gaelic nobility. During the 17th and 18th centuries, as Irish culture faced significant upheaval due to colonization and emigration, many Gaelic names were adapted or anglicized, leading to the emergence of names like Kailie.
This process was part of a broader trend of cultural assimilation and identity preservation among Irish communities. Culturally, names like Kailie carry connotations of nature and femininity, often associated with the ideals of beauty and delicacy in various traditions.
The name's enduring presence can be attributed to its melodic quality and the positive attributes it conveys. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Kay or Kaye have also emerged, reflecting a common practice in many cultures of creating affectionate or familiar versions of names.
Overall, Kailie encapsulates a blend of historical significance and cultural resonance, reflecting the rich tapestry of Gaelic heritage.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kailie was first seen in the United States in 1984. Kailie has ranked as high as #1227 nationally, which occurred in 1999, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Kailie has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kailie (2015)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 23 |
| 1989 | 29 |
| 1990 | 24 |
| 1991 | 26 |
| 1992 | 41 |
| 1993 | 46 |
| 1994 | 38 |
| 1995 | 38 |
| 1996 | 39 |
| 1997 | 33 |
| 1998 | 57 |
| 1999 | 71 |
| 2000 | 52 |
| 2001 | 61 |
| 2002 | 56 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2005 | 64 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 62 |
| 2008 | 48 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 35 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2012 | 25 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2023 | 6 |