"celebration, party"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Caleigh
Does Caleigh flow with your last name?
A Celtic celebration dance turned into a danceable name
American
Irish
Scottish
English
Playful
Earthy
Gentle
Modern
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"slender, fair"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Caleigh first appeared in US Social Security records in 1984.
Over 5,724 babies have been named Caleigh in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Caleigh is past its peak , currently ranked #2,701 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,701
Current Rank
Peaked 1999
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Caleigh
K
Kayleigh McEnany
Politician
1988
American political commentator and former White House Press Secretary under President Trump
K
Kaylee DeFer
Actor
1986
American actress known for her role on Gossip Girl as Charlie Rhodes
K
Kaylee Frye Fictional
Other
Beloved mechanic character in Joss Whedon's Firefly and Serenity, known for her warmth and mechanical genius
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Caleigh
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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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.
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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