Kaylee Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-lee //ˈkeɪli//
Origin: English; Irish
Meaning: English: Pure; Irish: Slender
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kaylee is believed to have originated as a modern variation of the name Kay, which itself is derived from the Old Welsh name Cai, meaning 'rejoice' or 'to be glad.' The name Cai has roots in the Latin name Gaius, which was popular in ancient Rome. The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where many Old Welsh names were adapted into English forms.
The suffix '-lee' is often associated with names of English origin, which may have contributed to the formation of Kaylee as a distinct name in the late 20th century. Historically, the name Kay has been used in various forms across different cultures, including as a character in Arthurian legend, where Sir Kay was known as a knight of King Arthur's Round Table.
The name gained further traction in English-speaking countries through its use in literature and popular culture. The addition of '-lee' as a suffix has been a common practice in English naming conventions, particularly in the 20th century, leading to the creation of many feminine names that convey a sense of lightness or beauty.
Culturally, names like Kaylee often resonate with themes of joy and celebration, reflecting the meanings associated with their roots. The name's melodic quality and contemporary feel have allowed it to find a place in various narratives and artistic expressions.
While Kaylee itself may not have historical figures of significant note, its components connect to a broader tradition of names that evoke positive sentiments. The diminutive form Kay has also been used affectionately, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of names derived from similar roots.
Famous people named Kaylee
Fictional characters named Kaylee
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Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kaylee was first seen in the United States in 1943. Kaylee has ranked as high as #90 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Kaylee has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kaylee (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 176 | |
| TX | 164 | |
| NY | 83 | |
| FL | 75 | |
| IL | 61 | |
| GA | 53 | |
| NJ | 52 | |
| PA | 46 | |
| NC | 40 | |
| TN | 39 | |
| OH | 39 | |
| AL | 37 | |
| MD | 35 | |
| WA | 32 | |
| VA | 30 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1943 | 5 |
| 1950 | 5 |
| 1960 | 6 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1963 | 11 |
| 1964 | 12 |
| 1966 | 9 |
| 1967 | 7 |
| 1968 | 11 |
| 1969 | 8 |
| 1970 | 18 |
| 1971 | 26 |
| 1972 | 15 |
| 1973 | 11 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1975 | 25 |
| 1976 | 15 |
| 1977 | 18 |
| 1978 | 24 |
| 1979 | 25 |
| 1980 | 31 |
| 1981 | 46 |
| 1982 | 58 |
| 1983 | 63 |
| 1984 | 191 |
| 1985 | 237 |
| 1986 | 488 |
| 1987 | 605 |
| 1988 | 792 |
| 1989 | 985 |
| 1990 | 1,211 |
| 1991 | 1,494 |
| 1992 | 1,752 |
| 1993 | 1,886 |
| 1994 | 2,108 |
| 1995 | 2,518 |
| 1996 | 2,804 |
| 1997 | 3,056 |
| 1998 | 3,806 |
| 1999 | 4,579 |
| 2000 | 4,493 |
| 2001 | 4,621 |
| 2002 | 4,983 |
| 2003 | 5,452 |
| 2004 | 5,444 |
| 2005 | 5,870 |
| 2006 | 5,998 |
| 2007 | 6,050 |
| 2008 | 6,302 |
| 2009 | 7,219 |
| 2010 | 6,107 |
| 2011 | 6,052 |
| 2012 | 5,629 |
| 2013 | 5,126 |
| 2014 | 4,552 |
| 2015 | 4,376 |
| 2016 | 3,845 |
| 2017 | 3,416 |
| 2018 | 2,959 |
| 2019 | 2,556 |
| 2020 | 2,336 |
| 2021 | 1,978 |
| 2022 | 1,821 |
| 2023 | 1,643 |
| 2024 | 1,392 |