What does Caileigh mean and where does it come from?
Caileigh is an Anglicized form of the Irish name 'Caolainn,' which means 'slim' or 'fair.' It has gained popularity in various English-speaking regions, especially Ireland and the US, as a modern take on traditional Irish names. The spelling 'Caileigh' may vary in form but remains distinctively femi
Cultural significance
Caileigh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2869 in 2001 — currently #6460 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caileigh?
Caileigh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caileigh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caileigh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caileigh Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caileigh Claire
French influence · crisp
Caileigh Jane
Literary · strong
Caileigh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caileigh right now?
Falling — down 791 spots — currently #6460 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6460 | 18 | ▼ down 791 · -18% births |
| 2022 | #5669 | 22 | ▲ up 544 · +16% births |
| 2021 | #6213 | 19 | ▼ down 290 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #5923 | 20 | ▼ down 2511 · -57% births |
| 2015 | #3412 | 47 | ▼ down 413 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #2999 | 57 | ▲ up 447 · +30% births |
| 2005 | #3446 | 44 | ▲ up 68 · +16% births |
| 2000 | #3514 | 38 | ▲ up 62 · +23% births |
| 1995 | #3576 | 31 | ▲ up 3694 · +158% births |
| 1990 | #7270 | 12 | — |
The story of Caileigh
Caileigh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 1,094 total births recorded, Caileigh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7270 in 1990 to #6460 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Caileigh in 2001:
Caileigh by decade
Caileigh peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 18 | |
| 1990s | 222 | |
| 2000s ★ | 437 | |
| 2010s | 397 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎With 1,094 total births, Caileigh is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Caileigh?
ENGLISH
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Famous people named Caileigh
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Caileigh (Irish poet or writer)
Caileigh used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Caileigh (Celtic chieftain)
Caileigh bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Caileigh (Irish saint)
Caileigh helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
C(
Caileigh (Irish poet or writer)
Caileigh used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Caileigh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caileigh also consider these
How is Caileigh written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Caileigh?
Common questions about the name Caileigh
What does the name Caileigh mean?
Caileigh means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Caileigh?
Caileigh 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 Caileigh?
Caileigh originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Caileigh a common or rare name?
Caileigh is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Caileigh?
Caileigh 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.