Kailey is a unique and charming name of American origin. It was introduced to the world in the late 1970s by the author V.C. Andrews in her popular novel "My Sweet Audrina." In the story, Kailey is one of the main characters, and her distinctive name has since become popular among parents looking for something different for their daughters.
The exact meaning of Kailey is unclear as it was created by Andrews for her character. However, some people interpret it to mean "first" or "pure," which could be tied to its Irish origins. In Irish culture, the name Cailín means "girl" or "maiden," and Kailey may be a modernized spelling of this name.
Despite its uncertain meaning, Kailey has gained popularity in recent years due to its uniqueness and appealing sound. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Kailey first appeared in the top 1000 baby names for girls in the United States in 2008, and it has remained relatively popular ever since.
Overall, Kailey is a charming name with an interesting backstory that continues to gain popularity among parents looking for something unique for their daughters. While its meaning may be uncertain, its Irish origins give it a sense of tradition and history, making it a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a distinctive name with a touch of heritage.
The name Kailey has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
In the early years recorded, from 1970 to 1982, Kailey was quite uncommon with only 5 births per year until it started gaining traction in 1983 with 18 births. This upward trend continued steadily, reaching a peak in 1998 with an impressive 1114 births.
However, the popularity of Kailey began to decline in the early 2000s. From its peak in 1998, the number of annual births decreased by approximately half over the next five years, settling at around 500 births per year between 2003 and 2007.
The downward trend continued into the 2010s, with Kailey experiencing a significant drop in popularity. By 2016, there were only 507 births recorded for the name, less than half of what it was at its peak two decades prior.
In recent years, Kailey has maintained a consistent but low level of popularity. Between 2017 and 2023, the number of annual births has hovered between 225 and 454, indicating that while still used, Kailey is no longer as popular as it once was.
In total, from 1970 to 2023, there have been approximately 26,906 births recorded for the name Kailey in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Kailey remains a unique and distinct name choice that has stood the test of time over several decades.