Kailee is a feminine given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "cailín" which means "young maiden" or "girl". The name can be traced back to the medieval era, when it was commonly used in the Scottish Highlands and surrounding regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kailee dates back to the 13th century, where it appears in the Scottish clan records as a variant spelling of "Cailín". It was particularly popular among the Highlanders, who valued the name's association with youth and purity.

Historically, the name Kailee has been found in various ancient Scottish texts and literary works, often associated with characters portrayed as virtuous and innocent. For example, in the 15th-century poem "The Brus" by John Barbour, there is a character named Kailee who represents the epitome of Scottish womanhood.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Kailee. One of the earliest recorded was Kailee MacLeod (c. 1480-1540), a Scottish noblewoman known for her involvement in the clan wars of the Hebrides. Another prominent figure was Kailee Douglas (1575-1648), a Scottish poet and author whose works celebrated the beauty of the Scottish countryside.

In the 18th century, Kailee Campbell (1710-1792) was a renowned Scottish botanist and naturalist, known for her extensive research on the flora of the Highlands. Later, in the 19th century, Kailee Macdonald (1835-1912) was a Scottish suffragist and advocate for women's rights, who played a significant role in the early feminist movement.

More recently, Kailee Graves (1935-2018) was a Scottish artist and sculptor, renowned for her abstract and modernist works, which were widely exhibited throughout Europe and North America.

While the name Kailee has Scottish roots, it has gained popularity in various parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in North America and Australia, where it is often considered a modern and stylish variant of the traditional Scottish name.