What does Kaylea mean and where does it come from?
Kaylea is a modern variant of the name Kayla, which has its roots in the Hebrew name 'Kelila,' meaning 'crown of laurel.' The name Kaylea is common in the United States and Canada, reflecting contemporary naming trends that favor melodic and feminine-sounding names.
Cultural significance
Kaylea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of variant of kayla, possibly meaning 'pure' or 'beloved'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1211 in 1999 — currently #8102 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kaylea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kaylea?
Kaylea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kaylea Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kaylea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kaylea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kaylea right now?
Falling — down 322 spots — currently #8102 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8102 | 13 | ▼ down 322 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #7780 | 14 | ▲ up 46 |
| 2023 | #7826 | 14 | ▼ down 986 · -18% births |
| 2022 | #6840 | 17 | ▲ up 3086 · +70% births |
| 2021 | #9926 | 10 | ▼ down 2308 · -29% births |
| 2020 | #7618 | 14 | ▼ down 3367 · -59% births |
| 2015 | #4251 | 34 | ▼ down 1705 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #2546 | 72 | ▼ down 950 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #1596 | 128 | ▼ down 300 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #1296 | 149 | ▲ up 122 · +28% births |
| 1995 | #1418 | 116 | ▲ up 517 · +61% births |
| 1990 | #1935 | 72 | ▲ up 1480 · +177% births |
| 1985 | #3415 | 26 | ▲ up 6717 · +333% births |
| 1980 | #10132 | 6 | — |
The story of Kaylea
Kaylea is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 3,037 total births recorded, Kaylea remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10132 in 1980 to #7826 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kaylea in 1999:
Kaylea by decade
Kaylea peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 14 | |
| 1980s | 256 | |
| 1990s | 1,086 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,216 | |
| 2010s | 451 | |
| 2020s | 41 | |
💎With 3,037 total births, Kaylea is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kaylea?
What names sound and feel like Kaylea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kaylea also consider these
Common questions about the name Kaylea
What does the name Kaylea mean?
Kaylea means "variant of Kayla, possibly meaning 'pure' or 'beloved'" — 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 Kaylea?
Kaylea 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 Kaylea?
Kaylea 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 Kaylea a common or rare name?
Kaylea is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Kaylea?
Kaylea 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.