Caleigh

Girl Name #2,701 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Celtic celebration dance turned into a danceable name

American Irish Scottish English

Playful Earthy Gentle Modern Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"celebration, party"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: English

"slender, fair"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

One of many variant spellings (Kaylee, Kayleigh, Kalei, Cali) — spelling confusion is common

The Story of Caleigh

Caleigh (more commonly spelled Ceilidh) is a Gaelic word meaning 'visit' or 'gathering' — referring specifically to a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring folk music, dancing, and storytelling. As a given name, it arrived in American usage primarily as a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic Caoilfhinn (pronounced KAY-lin or KEE-lin) meaning 'slender' and 'fair.' The merger of Ceilidh (party) and Caoilfhinn (slender) created the broad category of Kaylee-sound names.

Caleigh and its many spelling variants (Kaylee, Kayleigh, Kaleigh, Cayleigh, Cali) surged in the 1990s and 2000s as one of the most popular sounds of that era. The name peaked around 2010-2012 and has been declining as it becomes associated with that generation's naming style.

A ceilidh (Scottish) or céilí (Irish) is a living folk tradition — social dances still held throughout Ireland, Scotland, and diaspora communities worldwide. Naming a daughter Caleigh can be an authentic way to honor Celtic heritage while using a name that sounds thoroughly modern.

Fun Facts

A ceilidh (the original spelling) is a Scottish/Irish social dance party that has been held for over 1,000 years
Kayleigh was immortalized in the 1985 Marillion song 'Kayleigh,' reaching #2 in the UK
There are at least 15 documented spellings of this name in the United States

Caleigh in Other Languages

Irish Céilí

Welsh Caleigh

French Caylee

Scottish Gaelic Cèilidh

Famous People Named Caleigh

Kayleigh McEnany

Politician

1988

American political commentator and former White House Press Secretary under President Trump

Kaylee DeFer

Actor

1986

American actress known for her role on Gossip Girl as Charlie Rhodes

Kaylee Frye Fictional

Other

Beloved mechanic character in Joss Whedon's Firefly and Serenity, known for her warmth and mechanical genius

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,701
Total SSA Count: 64
Cultural Origins: American Irish Scottish English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Cay Lee Cale

Pairs Well With

Caleigh Ann Caleigh Marie Caleigh Grace Caleigh Rose Caleigh Jean Caleigh June Caleigh Mae

Sibling Names

Briley Finley Maebh Saoirse Declan Fionn Riley

Similar Names

Raleigh Miley Haley Kelly Halley Bailey Harley Adley

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Caleigh

What does the name Caleigh mean?

"celebration, party" (from Scottish Gaelic). "slender, fair" (from Irish Gaelic). Caleigh (more commonly spelled Ceilidh) is a Gaelic word meaning 'visit' or 'gathering' — referring specifically to a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring folk music, dancing, and storytelling. As a given name, it arrived in American usage primarily as a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic Caoilfhinn (pronounced KAY-lin or KEE-lin) meaning 'slender' and 'fair.' The merger of Ceilidh (party) and Caoilfhinn (slender) created the broad category of Kaylee-sound names.

What is the origin of the name Caleigh?

Caleigh has Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, American, Irish, Scottish, and English origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "celebration, party". In Irish Gaelic, it means "slender, fair".

Is Caleigh a boy or girl name?

Caleigh is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Caleigh?

Caleigh is currently ranked #2701 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Caleigh?

Common nicknames for Caleigh include Cay, Lee, and Cale.

What are good middle names for Caleigh?

Popular middle name pairings include Caleigh Ann, Caleigh Marie, Caleigh Grace, Caleigh Rose, Caleigh Jean, Caleigh June, and Caleigh Mae.

What are good sibling names for Caleigh?

Names that pair well with Caleigh as siblings include Briley, Finley, Maebh, Saoirse, Declan, Fionn, and Riley.

How many syllables does Caleigh have?

Caleigh has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Caleigh a common or rare name?

Caleigh is an uncommon name, ranked #2701 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Caleigh

Caleigh is a girl name with American, Irish, Scottish, and English origins . The name means "celebration, party" in Scottish Gaelic .

Caleigh is currently ranked #2,701 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Caleigh has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Caleigh include Cay, Lee, and Cale. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.