Kaylee is a modern spelling variant based on the Irish Gaelic Caoilainn meaning slender or pure. It entered the US top 50 in 2001 and has remained in the top 100. The character Kaylee Frye from the TV series Firefly gave it a warm, inventive personality. An approachable, friendly name with a Celtic lightness.
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Root name
The root form of Kaylee is
Caoilainn — meaning Slender, pure, crown of laurel.
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Modern usage
Kaylee remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.
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How popular is Kaylee?
2009peak year
Kaylee found its strongest footing in the early 2000s, peaking at #26 nationally. In 2009, 7,219 babies were named Kaylee (ranked #26 nationally). In the present decade it sits around #125, with about 2,633 babies given the name annually. Kaylee has been declining in recent years. The all-time total comes to roughly 139,375 registrations.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
7,219 Babies named in peak year (ranked #26)
2,633Avg. per year (last decade)
26,330Total registrations last 10 years
139,375All-time total (since 1880)
Popularity in the US today (rank #125)Very popular
Every name has a homeland. Discover beautiful girl names rooted in cultures from around the world — each with full meanings, origin stories and pronunciation.