Kiley is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh. This surname is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic word "ceallach," which means "strife" or "contention." However, it's important to note that the meaning of Kiley as a given name is not directly related to its original meaning as a surname.
The name Kiley first appeared in Irish records during the 16th century. It was initially used as a boy's name but has since become unisex and is more commonly used for girls today. Despite its originally male-associated roots, there is no specific record of when or how Kiley began to be used as a girl's name.
In recent years, Kiley has gained popularity as a given name in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the US, Kiley first appeared on the list of popular baby names for girls in 1982 and reached its peak popularity between 1994 and 1997.
Overall, while Kiley may have Irish origins and a surname-derived meaning, its use as a given name is more associated with modern trends in naming practices rather than historical or traditional meanings. Its popularity has grown steadily over the past few decades, making it a contemporary choice for parents seeking unique yet familiar names for their children.
"Kiley experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1960s to its peak in the mid-1990s. The name first gained traction with 8 births in 1964, then steadily increased to reach its zenith of 1089 births in 2008. Since then, its popularity has declined considerably, with only 61 recorded births in 2023."