"slender, graceful"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Cailey
Does Cailey flow with your last name?
A spirited name evoking Irish dancing and joyful celebration
American
Irish-American
English
Playful
Gentle
Modern
Whimsical
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Meaning & Origin
"pure meadow (Kay + Lee combination)"
Origin: English composite
Language: English
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The Story of Cailey
Cailey is a variant spelling of Kaylee, Kayleigh, or Caley, all of which trace back to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name Ceilidh (a social gathering with traditional music and dance) or to the Old Irish caol meaning slender. The name may also combine elements of Kay (from Katherine, meaning pure) and Lee (from Old English leah meaning woodland clearing). The Cai- spelling gives a subtle Celtic feel while maintaining the familiar sound.
Kaylee and its many variants (Kayleigh, Caley, Cailey, Kailee) were among the most popular names of the late 1990s and 2000s. The name peaked around 2009-2012 in the US. The distinct Cailey spelling is one of dozens of variations parents chose to personalize this popular sound.
The ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee or KAY-lee) is a cherished tradition in Scottish and Irish culture — a communal gathering featuring traditional music, dancing, and storytelling. Choosing the Cailey spelling subtly honors this cultural heritage of joyful community celebration.
Historical Record
Cailey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1984.
Over 3,841 babies have been named Cailey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cailey is past its peak , currently ranked #5,410 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Irish name Cadhla, which means graceful or beautiful, is sometimes linked to the Kaylee sound
- Ceilidh dancing remains a popular tradition at Scottish and Irish weddings worldwide
- At peak popularity, there were over 40 documented spelling variations of the Kaylee sound in US birth records
Cailey in Other Languages
Irish
Cadhla
English
Kaylee
Scottish Gaelic
Cèilidh
Popularity Over Time
#5,410
Current Rank
Peaked 1998
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cailey
K
Kaylee (Firefly) Fictional
Other
The beloved ship mechanic Kaylee Frye from Joss Whedon's Firefly (2002), known for her warmth and mechanical genius
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Compare Cailey with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,410
- Total SSA Count
- 24
- Cultural Origins
- American Irish-American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cai
Cai-Cai
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cailey
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cailey
Phonetic neighbors that share Cailey's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Old English origin
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Ginevra
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Welsh origin
"white shadow, white wave"
#5,236 in US
Jadelyn
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Spanish/Welsh blend origin
"jade stone and lake/pool"
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Laveah
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Modern American origin
"life, living"
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Leyton
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cailey
What does the name Cailey mean?
"slender, graceful" (from Old Irish). "pure meadow (Kay + Lee combination)" (from English composite). Cailey is a variant spelling of Kaylee, Kayleigh, or Caley, all of which trace back to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name Ceilidh (a social gathering with traditional music and dance) or to the Old Irish caol meaning slender. The name may also combine elements of Kay (from Katherine, meaning pure) and Lee (from Old English leah meaning woodland clearing). The Cai- spelling gives a subtle Celtic feel while maintaining the familiar sound.
What is the origin of the name Cailey?
Cailey has Old Irish, English composite, American, Irish-American, and English origins. In Old Irish, it means "slender, graceful". In English composite, it means "pure meadow (Kay + Lee combination)".
Is Cailey a boy or girl name?
Cailey is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Cailey?
Cailey is currently ranked #5410 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cailey?
Common nicknames for Cailey include Cai and Cai-Cai.
What are good middle names for Cailey?
Popular middle name pairings include Cailey Ann, Cailey Marie, Cailey Rose, Cailey Grace, Cailey Nicole, Cailey Renee, and Cailey Brooke.
What are good sibling names for Cailey?
Names that pair well with Cailey as siblings include Kaitlyn, Brynn, Hailey, Connor, Aidan, and Declan.
How many syllables does Cailey have?
Cailey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cailey a common or rare name?
Cailey is an uncommon name, ranked #5410 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Cailey?
About the Name Cailey
Cailey is a girl name with American, Irish-American, and English origins . The name means "slender, graceful" in Old Irish .
Cailey is currently ranked #5,410 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cailey has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cailey include Cai and Cai-Cai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cailey include Cailyn, Cailee . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis