What does Cailee mean and where does it come from?
Cailee is a modern name that is often seen as a variation of the name Kaylee. The name Kaylee combines the Gaelic 'caol' meaning 'slender' and the English 'lea' meaning 'meadow'. The name Cailee has gained popularity in the United States in recent years, particularly among parents looking for unique
Cultural significance
Cailee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of kaylee, meaning 'slim and fair'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2033 in 1999 — currently #5585 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cailee?
Cailee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cailee Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cailee Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cailee Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cailee Claire
French influence · crisp
Cailee Jane
Literary · strong
Cailee Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cailee right now?
Falling — down 1460 spots — currently #5585 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5585 | 22 | ▼ down 1460 · -37% births |
| 2022 | #4125 | 35 | ▲ up 405 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #4530 | 30 | ▼ down 350 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #4180 | 33 | ▼ down 1136 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #3044 | 56 | ▼ down 190 · -8% births |
| 2010 | #2854 | 61 | ▲ up 387 · +27% births |
| 2005 | #3241 | 48 | ▼ down 511 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #2730 | 54 | ▲ up 196 · +32% births |
| 1995 | #2926 | 41 | ▲ up 1450 · +78% births |
| 1990 | #4376 | 23 | — |
The story of Cailee
Cailee is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1986. With 1,640 total births recorded, Cailee remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4376 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5585 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cailee in 1999:
Cailee by decade
Cailee peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 53 | |
| 1990s | 406 | |
| 2000s ★ | 605 | |
| 2010s | 543 | |
| 2020s | 33 | |
💎With 1,640 total births, Cailee is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cailee?
Common
CaiCailCailieCailyIlee
What names sound and feel like Cailee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cailee also consider these
Common questions about the name Cailee
What does the name Cailee mean?
Cailee means "a variant of Kaylee, meaning 'slim and fair'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cailee?
Cailee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cailee?
Cailee originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cailee a common or rare name?
Cailee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Cailee?
Cailee naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.