Keeley

“slender, fair” — Associated with a cheerful and lively personality

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1525US 2023

140Births / yr

↑Rising

6.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 195700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Keeley

KEE·lee

/ˈkiː.liː/ · stress on KEE · 2 syllables

“slender, fair”

Associated with a cheerful and lively personality · Ireland origin

What does Keeley mean and where does it come from?

Keeley is an Anglicized form of the Irish name 'Caoihe,' derived from the Gaelic word 'caoi,' meaning 'slender' or 'fair.' The name has seen a rise in popularity since the late 20th century, particularly in Ireland and the UK. It is often associated with a cheerful and lively personality. Notable fi

Cultural significance

Keeley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender, fair.

Peak popularity

Reached #900 in 1997 — currently #1525 in the US.

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How else can you spell Keeley?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Keely

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Keeley?

Keeley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Keeley Grace

How popular is Keeley right now?

Rising fast — up 190 spots — currently #1525 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#1525 · Top 1.1%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1525	140	▲ up 190 · +15% births
2022	#1715	122	▲ up 379 · +34% births
2021	#2094	91	▲ up 1396 · +112% births
2020	#3490	43	▼ down 1552 · -59% births
2015	#1938	104	▼ down 805 · -52% births
2010	#1133	216	▲ up 192 · +30% births
2005	#1325	166	▼ down 330 · -22% births
2000	#995	213	▲ up 586 · +122% births
1995	#1581	96	▼ down 164 · -14% births
1990	#1417	112	▲ up 285 · +65% births
1985	#1702	68	▲ up 296 · +28% births
1980	#1998	53	▲ up 943 · +112% births
1975	#2941	25	▼ down 173 · -4% births
1970	#2768	26	▲ up 1687 · +160% births
1965	#4455	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Keeley

Best Year2000Rank #995

Peak Count216

Average Rank#2143

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202316 years

The story of Keeley

Keeley entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 6,116 total births recorded, Keeley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3209 in 1960 to #1525 in 2023. Keeley is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Keeley in 1997:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Hannah

Keeley by decade

Keeley peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	52
1960s	179
1970s	323
1980s	734
1990s	1,415
2000s ★	2,087
2010s	1,283
2020s	43

💎With 6,116 total births, Keeley is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Keeley?

Common

KeeKeelKeelieKeelyEley

What names sound and feel like Keeley?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keeley also consider these

American · Royal meadow

Irish · descendant of Caollaidh

How is Keeley written in other languages?

Keeleigh

ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Keeley

What does the name Keeley mean?

Keeley means "slender, fair" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Keeley?

Keeley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Keeley have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Keeley?

Keeley originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Keeley?

Keeley is a two-syllable name pronounced K IY1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Keeley trending right now?

Keeley is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.