What does Kailee mean and where does it come from?
Kailee is a modern name that is a variation of the name Kaylee, itself a combination of the Irish name Kay and the English word 'lee,' meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' The name gained popularity in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s, often associated with a youthful and fresh connotation. It ca
Cultural significance
Kailee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure, rejoice..
Peak popularity
Reached #486 in 1999 — currently #1969 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kailee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kailee?
Kailee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kailee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kailee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kailee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kailee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kailee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kailee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kailee right now?
Declining — down 34 spots — currently #1969 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1969 | 98 | ▼ down 34 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #1935 | 103 | ▼ down 254 · -16% births |
| 2023 | #1681 | 123 | ▼ down 155 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #1526 | 141 | ▼ down 134 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #1392 | 157 | ▼ down 57 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #1335 | 164 | ▼ down 521 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #814 | 344 | ▼ down 150 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #664 | 439 | ▼ down 88 · -12% births |
| 2005 | #576 | 499 | ▼ down 72 · -7% births |
| 2000 | #504 | 536 | ▲ up 215 · +87% births |
| 1995 | #719 | 286 | ▲ up 418 · +87% births |
| 1990 | #1137 | 153 | ▲ up 1663 · +350% births |
| 1985 | #2800 | 34 | ▲ up 3939 · +240% births |
| 1980 | #6739 | 10 | — |
The story of Kailee
Kailee is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. A total of 12,313 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6739 in 1980 to #1681 in 2023. Kailee is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kailee in 1999:
Kailee by decade
Kailee peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 28 | |
| 1980s | 521 | |
| 1990s | 3,127 | |
| 2000s ★ | 5,167 | |
| 2010s | 3,306 | |
| 2020s | 365 | |
What are good nicknames for Kailee?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Kailee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kailee also consider these
How is Kailee written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kailee?
Common questions about the name Kailee
What does the name Kailee mean?
Kailee means "Pure, Rejoice." — 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 Kailee?
Kailee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Kailee?
Kailee 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 Kailee a common or rare name?
Kailee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Kailee more of a girl or boy name?
Kailee is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.