"slender, slim and fair"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Kayleigh
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Born of Celtic dances and the joy of celebration
Irish
Scottish
English
American
Playful
Modern
Gentle
Earthy
Unique
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Meaning & Origin
"party, folk gathering with music"
Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic
Language: Gaelic
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The Story of Kayleigh
Kayleigh is an Anglicized variant of the Irish/Scottish Gaelic 'céilidh' (pronounced KAY-lee), meaning a traditional gathering with folk music and dancing, and the Irish 'caol' meaning 'slender.' As a given name, Kayleigh emerged in the 1980s as a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic sound. The -leigh suffix adds a visual femininity. It may also be considered a variant of Caoimhe (KWEE-vah) or Kaylee.
Kayleigh surged in popularity in the UK in the 1980s following the Marillion song 'Kayleigh' (1985), which reached #2 on the UK charts. In the US it gained traction in the 1990s-2000s as part of the wave of Kaylee/Hailey/Bailey names. The Kayleigh spelling gave it a distinctly Celtic feel.
The Gaelic 'céilidh' is a living cultural institution across Ireland and Scotland, representing community, music, and hospitality. Naming a daughter Kayleigh can honor Irish or Scottish heritage while giving her a name that works internationally.
Historical Record
Kayleigh first appeared in US Social Security records in 1984.
Over 34,212 babies have been named Kayleigh in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kayleigh is past its peak , currently ranked #732 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The 1985 Marillion song 'Kayleigh' is credited with popularizing this spelling of the name across the UK
- A 'céilidh' (the source word) typically involves traditional folk dances like the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow
Kayleigh in Other Languages
French
Kayleigh
Spanish
Kayleigh
Irish Gaelic
Céilidh
Scottish Gaelic
Céilidh
Popularity Over Time
#732
Current Rank
Peaked 2009
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kayleigh
K
Kayleigh McEnany
Politician
1988
American political commentator and former White House Press Secretary under President Trump (2020-2021)
K
Kayleigh (Marillion song) Fictional
Musician
Subject of the 1985 Marillion hit song 'Kayleigh,' which popularized the name spelling across the UK
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #732
- Total SSA Count
- 385
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kay
Kayle
Lee
Leigh
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kayleigh
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kayleigh is also used as a boy name, ranked #14430.
View Kayleigh as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kayleigh
What does the name Kayleigh mean?
"slender, slim and fair" (from Irish Gaelic). "party, folk gathering with music" (from Irish/Scottish Gaelic). Kayleigh is an Anglicized variant of the Irish/Scottish Gaelic 'céilidh' (pronounced KAY-lee), meaning a traditional gathering with folk music and dancing, and the Irish 'caol' meaning 'slender.' As a given name, Kayleigh emerged in the 1980s as a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic sound. The -leigh suffix adds a visual femininity. It may also be considered a variant of Caoimhe (KWEE-vah) or Kaylee.
What is the origin of the name Kayleigh?
Kayleigh has Irish Gaelic, Irish/Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "slender, slim and fair". In Irish/Scottish Gaelic, it means "party, folk gathering with music".
Is Kayleigh a boy or girl name?
Kayleigh is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #732. As a boy name, it is ranked #14430. Kayleigh is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Kayleigh?
Kayleigh is currently ranked #732 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kayleigh?
Common nicknames for Kayleigh include Kay, Kayle, Lee, and Leigh.
What are good middle names for Kayleigh?
Popular middle name pairings include Kayleigh Anne, Kayleigh Marie, Kayleigh Grace, Kayleigh Rose, Kayleigh Dawn, Kayleigh Lynn, and Kayleigh Elise.
What are good sibling names for Kayleigh?
Names that pair well with Kayleigh as siblings include Brody, Caelan, Sienna, Finley, Rory, Tiernan, and Saoirse.
How many syllables does Kayleigh have?
Kayleigh has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kayleigh a common or rare name?
Kayleigh is moderately common, ranked #732 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Kayleigh?
About the Name Kayleigh
Kayleigh is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "slender, slim and fair" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Kayleigh a boy or girl name? Kayleigh is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #732 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,430. Kayleigh is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kayleigh is currently ranked #732 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kayleigh has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kayleigh include Kay, Kayle, Lee, and Leigh. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kayleigh include Kaylee, Kaylani, Kayla, Kaylie, Kaylin . 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