Kayce
/ˈkeɪ.si/
Kayce is a modern respelling of Casey, which derives from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning “descendant of the watchful one.” The root Irish word cathasach means “alert” or “vigilant.”
The spelling Kayce gained sudden visibility through the Paramount television series Yellowstone (2018 - ), where Kayce Dutton is a central character played by Luke Grimes.
Kayce is at its all-time SSA peak: No. 419 in 2024 with 756 births. The name essentially did not appear in records before the show’s premiere.
What the name Kayce means
The Yellowstone effect on baby naming is well documented. Kayce joins Dutton and Rip as names lifted directly from the show’s character roster.
Two syllables - KAY-see - sound bright and familiar. The K spelling distinguishes it from the traditional Casey while retaining the same phonetic profile.
Parents choosing Kayce often cite the character’s rugged integrity and family loyalty. The name fits a Western, outdoorsy aesthetic popular in rural America.
As a peak-year name in 2024, Kayce’s longevity depends on the show’s cultural afterlife. Pop-culture names can be volatile, but strong characters tend to endure.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Kayce - similar names
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