Find out how popular the first name Kaily has been for the last 41 years (from 1983 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kaily by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Kaily is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 37 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kaily.

The history of the first name Kaily

The name Kaily is believed to have originated from the Scottish Gaelic language, with roots dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old Irish word "cailli," which means "slender" or "graceful." This name was initially used to describe a person's physical appearance, particularly a slender or graceful figure.

In the early days, the name Kaily was primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands region. It was commonly used among clans and families with Celtic heritage. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the British Isles and eventually to other regions as people migrated and settled in different parts of the world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kaily can be found in the Scottish historical records from the 15th century. During this period, the name was often spelled as "Caillie" or "Cailye." However, the spelling and pronunciation evolved over time, leading to the modern form of "Kaily."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kaily. One of the earliest known figures was Kaily MacLeod (1520-1585), a Scottish chieftain and warrior from the Isle of Skye. She played a significant role in defending her clan's lands during the turbulent times of the Scottish clan wars.

Another prominent figure was Kaily Campbell (1650-1718), a Scottish noblewoman and philanthropist. She was known for her charitable work and her efforts in supporting education and healthcare initiatives in her community.

In the 19th century, Kaily Bremner (1810-1892) was a Scottish artist and painter renowned for her landscape and portrait works. Her paintings captured the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and were widely appreciated during her lifetime.

Moving to the 20th century, Kaily Macdonald (1920-2005) was a Scottish politician and activist. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in Scotland.

More recently, Kaily Forsyth (born 1978) is a Scottish singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Her songs often explore themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the Scottish landscape.

While the name Kaily may not be as common today as it was in the past, it continues to hold a special place in Scottish heritage and culture. Its origins and historical significance make it a unique and meaningful name that reflects the rich traditions of the Scottish Highlands.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kaily was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kaily, please contact us.

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