Kayleigh
/ˈkeɪ.li/
Kayleigh is a modern elaboration of Kayley or Kayla, which has multiple possible origins: the Irish Gaelic caol meaning “slender” combined with the suffix -igh, or as a variant of the Hebrew Kelilah meaning “crown of laurel.” The -leigh ending is an
elaborate respelling of the -lee or -ley suffix.
The name gained global recognition through the 1984 hit song “Kayleigh” by British progressive rock band Marillion. Though the song predates the name’s significant US use, it introduced the spelling to a wide audience.
What the name Kayleigh means
Kayleigh peaked at No. 227 in 2009 with 1,449 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 731 with 385 births, declining from its 2000s high.
The name entered broader public attention in the US through White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany (born 1988), who served from 2020 to 2021 and appeared frequently in national media.
Three syllables—KAY-lee—or two, depending on emphasis. The elaborate spelling is the name’s most distinctive feature—the same sound as Kaylee or Kailey but with a more ornate written form.
Parents who choose Kayleigh over Kaylee or Kailey often prefer the visual distinctiveness of the -leigh ending, which carries a pseudo-Celtic sophistication on paper.
Spelling variants include Kaylee, Kailey, Cayleigh, and Kaylie—all variations on the same name with different degrees of orthographic elaboration.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Kayleigh
Kayleigh - similar names
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