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Kayley
Kayley Pronunciation
Kayley is pronounced KAY-lee /ˈkeɪ.li/High
Meaning: From the Irish surname Ó Caollaidhe, from caol, 'slender'Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Kayley has a double pedigree. As an Irish surname, Kealy or Keeley descends from Ó Caollaidhe, rooted in caol, 'slender'; as a modern given name, it usually represents a blend of Kay — itself short for Katherine — with the popular -ley ending, part of the same family as Hayley and Bailey. Some parents also connect it to the Irish céilí, the festive social dance.
The Kaylee sound exploded in late twentieth-century America in a dizzying array of spellings — Kaylee, Kayleigh, Kaylie, Kailey, Kayley — together making it one of the defining girl-name sounds of its era. The -ley spelling is among the less common, giving a slightly British finish to a thoroughly modern favorite.
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Frequently Asked
How do you pronounce Kayley?
Kayley is pronounced KAY-lee (/ˈkeɪ.li/). Press play above to hear Kayley said aloud.
How do you say Kayley?
Kayley is said KAY-lee (/ˈkeɪ.li/). Press play above to hear Kayley said aloud.
What does the name Kayley mean?
Kayley is linked to the Irish surname Ó Caollaidhe, from caol, 'slender'; for most modern parents it is a blend of Kay with the -ley ending.
Is Kayley a boy or girl name?
Kayley is a girl's name.
How popular is Kayley?
Kayley is now a rare spelling in the U.S.; the sound itself was a major favorite a generation ago, led by Kaylee.