Find out how popular the first name Kayleigh has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kayleigh by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Kayleigh is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kayleigh being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 466 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kayleigh.

The history of the first name Kayleigh

The name Kayleigh originates from the English language and is a variant of the name Kaylee, which has its roots in the Old English word "cælic" meaning "chalice" or "cup." This suggests that the name may have been used in reference to someone's occupation or role related to serving drinks or vessels.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kayleigh dates back to the late 20th century, with the spelling gaining popularity in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. It is believed to have emerged as a modern variation of the traditional name Kaylee, possibly influenced by the trend of creating unique and personalized name variations.

While the name Kayleigh does not have a long historical record or appear in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been embraced by several notable individuals throughout the years. One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Kayleigh McEnany, born in 1988, who served as the White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump from 2020 to 2021.

Another individual with the name Kayleigh is Kayleigh Haywood, a British teenager who tragically lost her life in 2015 at the age of 15. Her case brought attention to the issue of online grooming and sparked discussions around internet safety for minors.

In the world of sports, Kayleigh Nankivell, born in 1992, is a British artistic gymnast who has represented Great Britain in international competitions and won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games.

In the entertainment industry, Kayleigh Pearson, born in 1988, is a British actress known for her roles in television series such as "Ackley Bridge" and "The Bay."

Kayleigh Bateman, born in 1989, is a British singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a contestant on the reality television show "The X Factor" in 2007.

While these are just a few examples, the name Kayleigh has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries, and continues to be embraced by individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life.

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 Kayleigh was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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