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Kaylee Girl

Popularity: #208 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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

Kaylee Cuoco is an actress best known for The Big Bang Theory, 8 Simple Rules, and Harley Quinn.

Fictional characters named Kaylee

Kaylee Frye is a fictional character from the TV series Firefly. She is the cheerful and skilled mechanic of the spaceship Serenity.

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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
13%
TX 164
12%
NY 83
6%
FL 75
6%
IL 61
5%
GA 53
4%
NJ 52
4%
PA 46
3%
NC 40
3%
TN 39
3%
OH 39
3%
AL 37
3%
MD 35
3%
WA 32
2%
VA 30
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19435
19505
19606
19629
196311
196412
19669
19677
196811
19698
197018
197126
197215
197311
19749
197525
197615
197718
197824
197925
198031
198146
198258
198363
1984191
1985237
1986488
1987605
1988792
1989985
19901,211
19911,494
19921,752
19931,886
19942,108
19952,518
19962,804
19973,056
19983,806
19994,579
20004,493
20014,621
20024,983
20035,452
20045,444
20055,870
20065,998
20076,050
20086,302
20097,219
20106,107
20116,052
20125,629
20135,126
20144,552
20154,376
20163,845
20173,416
20182,959
20192,556
20202,336
20211,978
20221,821
20231,643
20241,392