Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kayleigh

The Kayleigh is an Americanized respelling of Kaylee, also a name of American invention. Presumably Kaylee is derived from similar Irish names such as Keela or Keelin. Keelin comes from the Gaelic “Caoilfhinn” (pronounced kale + in) which translates into “slender” (caol) and “white, fair, pure” (finn). Keela, on the other hand, comes from the Gaelic word ‘cadhla’ which means a girl “so beautiful that only poets can describe her.” The names Kaylee, Kayleigh and Kayley are of such recent origin that it’s difficult to ascertain the true etymological elements, particularly since it occurs in so many different spelling variations. It is also believed to be the transferred use of the anglicized Irish surname “O’Caollaidhe” (descendent of Caollaidhe). So we’re back to the meaning (caol) slender. Most likely, Kaylee/Kayleigh developed from the popularity of the “Kay” sounding prefix along with the “lee” suffix.

All About the Baby Name – Kayleigh

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KAYLEIGH

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KAYLEIGH

The name Kayleigh appeared on the female naming charts in 1985, one year after Kaylee. Kayleigh is nowhere near as popular as Kaylee or even Kayla, but she’s hanging in there. Kayleigh is probably the most fanciful spelling of this family of names with the “leigh” suffix. It makes the name ultra-feminine. Today, Kayleigh has not reached the Top 200 list of favorite girl names, but collectively with her many spelling variations; the “Kay-lee” names are exceptionally popular. So much so, they are bordering on extreme overuse. In addition, recent sociological surveys seem to indicate that Americans are grumbling over names like Kaitlyn and Kaylee for their “many spelling variations”. Mississippi and West Virginia don’t seem to care; Kayleigh is a Top 100 choice in those states.

Quick Facts

ON KAYLEIGH

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

279

PRONUNCIATION:

KAY-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Slender

Characteristics

OF KAYLEIGH

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kayleigh

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KAYLEIGH

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kayleigh

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KAYLEIGH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kayleigh


Popular Songs

ON KAYLEIGH

Kayleigh
a song by Marillion

Famous People

NAMED KAYLEIGH

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Kayleigh.

Children of Famous People

NAMED KAYLEIGH

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kayleigh

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KAYLEIGH

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kayleigh