What does Kaylee mean and where does it come from?
Kaylee is a modern American name, often considered a combination of the names Kay and Lee. There are also associations with the Irish name Caoilinn, which means 'slender' or 'fair'. It started gaining popularity in the late 20th century, frequently appearing in baby name lists. The name reflects ele
Cultural significance
Kaylee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure or keeper of the keys.
Peak popularity
Reached #26 in 2009 — currently #255 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kaylee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kaylee?
Kaylee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kaylee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kaylee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kaylee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kaylee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kaylee right now?
Declining — down 35 spots — currently #255 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #255 | 1,205 | ▼ down 35 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #220 | 1,398 | ▼ down 39 · -15% births |
| 2023 | #181 | 1,643 | ▼ down 20 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #161 | 1,821 | ▼ down 22 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #139 | 1,978 | ▼ down 22 · -15% births |
| 2020 | #117 | 2,318 | ▼ down 56 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #61 | 4,363 | ▼ down 26 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #35 | 6,098 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #40 | 5,866 | ▲ up 32 · +31% births |
| 2000 | #72 | 4,493 | ▲ up 55 · +79% births |
| 1995 | #127 | 2,517 | ▲ up 106 · +108% births |
| 1990 | #233 | 1,211 | ▲ up 497 · +411% births |
| 1985 | #730 | 237 | ▲ up 2171 · +665% births |
| 1980 | #2901 | 31 | ▲ up 24 · +24% births |
| 1975 | #2925 | 25 | — |
The story of Kaylee
Kaylee entered American naming records in 1943 and has been in use for over 81 years. Its peak popularity was #26 in 2009. More than 132,357 babies have been named Kaylee since 1943. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5865 in 1950 to #181 in 2023. Kaylee is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kaylee in 2009:
Kaylee by decade
Kaylee peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 74 | |
| 1970s | 186 | |
| 1980s | 3,506 | |
| 1990s | 25,223 | |
| 2000s ★ | 56,506 | |
| 2010s | 44,534 | |
| 2020s | 4,921 | |
What are good nicknames for Kaylee?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Kaylee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kaylee also consider these
How is Kaylee written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kaylee?
Common questions about the name Kaylee
What does the name Kaylee mean?
Kaylee means "Pure or keeper of the keys" — 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 Kaylee?
Kaylee is currently ranked #181 in the United States 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 Kaylee?
Kaylee 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.
How do you pronounce the name Kaylee?
Kaylee is a two-syllable name pronounced KAY-lee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kaylee more of a girl or boy name?
Kaylee is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.