What does Caley mean and where does it come from?
Caley is derived from the Gaelic word 'caile,' which means 'girl.' It is a variant of the name Kaylee. The name gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century and is often considered a modern name. The first recorded use of Caley in the USA dates back to the 1970s. The name is preva
Cultural significance
Caley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender or fair.
Peak popularity
Reached #1457 in 1994 — currently #818 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caley?
Caley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caley Claire
French influence · crisp
Caley Jane
Literary · strong
Caley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caley right now?
Holding steady — currently #818 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #818 | 1,382 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #823 | 1,362 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #828 | 1,332 | ▲ up 8136 · +12009% births |
| 2020 | #8964 | 11 | ▼ down 3291 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #5673 | 23 | ▼ down 1557 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #4116 | 36 | ▼ down 2080 · -61% births |
| 2005 | #2036 | 92 | ▼ down 384 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #1652 | 107 | ▲ up 235 · +45% births |
| 1995 | #1887 | 74 | ▲ up 55 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #1942 | 71 | ▲ up 211 · +45% births |
| 1985 | #2153 | 49 | ▲ up 1379 · +113% births |
| 1980 | #3532 | 23 | ▲ up 4710 · +283% births |
| 1975 | #8242 | 6 | — |
The story of Caley
Caley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 2,603 total births recorded, Caley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8242 in 1975 to #818 in 2023. Caley is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.
Names that peaked alongside Caley in 1994:
Caley by decade
Caley peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 92 | |
| 1980s | 565 | |
| 1990s ★ | 872 | |
| 2000s | 799 | |
| 2010s | 253 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎With 2,603 total births, Caley is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Caley?
What names sound and feel like Caley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caley also consider these
Common questions about the name Caley
What does the name Caley mean?
Caley means "slender or fair" — a name rooted in USA 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 Caley?
Caley is currently ranked #818 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Caley?
Caley originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Caley a common or rare name?
Caley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Caley more of a girl or boy name?
Caley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.