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Kailey

Girl name · 18 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kailey: 18 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2006.

Kailey is a modern given name that emerged as a variant of Kaylee, itself an anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Caollaidhe, derived from *caol* meaning “slender” or “fair.” In Scotland, it also aligns with the Gaelic element *caol* as found in place names like the Kyle of Sutherland. While no widely known historical figures bear the name, contemporary bearers include Kailey White, a Canadian singer-songwriter, and Kailey Fagan, an American actress. The name has no direct place connections, but shares its root with Ailsa’s Craig’s *Caol* in Gaelic. A notable variant is Kayleigh, which surged in popularity after the 1980s British rock band Marillion released the song “Kayleigh,” though that spelling uses a different -leigh ending. Kailey remains a fresh, melodic choice, often chosen for its soft sound and Irish heritage.