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Shayleigh
Pronounced SHAY-lee /ˈʃeɪ.li/High
Meaning: Shayleigh joins Shay — from the Irish surname Shea (O Seaghdha, 'hawk-like; stately') — with the fashionable -leigh ending, from the Old English leah, 'clearing; meadow.' A modern American blend.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Shayleigh is a modern American name. Shay comes from the Irish surname O Seaghdha, anglicized Shea and glossed 'hawk-like; stately'; -leigh descends from Old English leah, 'clearing; meadow,' the same element in Ashleigh and Kayleigh. The two were joined in the late twentieth century. Any family's exact route is uncertain, which we note (said 'SHAY-lee').
It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, modern, and bright.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shayleigh mean?
Shayleigh joins Shay (Irish Shea, 'hawk-like') with -leigh ('clearing; meadow'). Routes uncertain, which we note.
How do you pronounce Shayleigh?
It's said SHAY-lee /ˈʃeɪ.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Shayleigh a boy or girl name?
Shayleigh is a girl's name.
How popular is Shayleigh?
Shayleigh is rare in the U.S.