Kaleeyah is a unique and captivating female given name of African-American origin. The name is derived from the Swahili word "kaleya," which means "brave" or "courageous." This powerful meaning has made Kaleeyah a popular choice among parents who wish to bestow upon their daughters a strong and inspiring moniker.
The name Kaleeyah is believed to have been coined by American author Eric Jerome Dickey, who used it as the protagonist's name in his 2004 novel "Cuffed." Since then, the name has gained popularity not only among African-American communities but also among parents worldwide who appreciate its meaning and sound.
While there may not be a rich historical or cultural background tied to the name Kaleeyah specifically, its Swahili origins provide a connection to the vibrant culture and heritage of Africa. The name's association with bravery and courage adds an empowering element that can inspire young women throughout their lives.
In terms of pronunciation and spelling variations, Kaleeyah is typically pronounced /ka-LEE-yə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Some parents may choose alternative spellings such as Kaeli, Kailey, or Kaileigh, but these variants do not change the original meaning derived from the Swahili word "kaleya."
In conclusion, Kaleeyah is a distinctive and meaningful female given name with roots in African culture. Its association with bravery and courage has made it an attractive choice for parents seeking to give their daughters a strong and inspiring name with a unique sound and origin story.
The name Kaleeyah has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in the number of babies being given this unique name each year.
From 2003 to 2022, there have been a total of 132 births registered with the name Kaleeyah. The earliest recorded birth was in 2003, with five newborns sharing this name. There was another spike in popularity in 2007 when twelve babies were named Kaleeyah.
The years 2006 and 2008 saw a slight dip in the number of births with this name, with five and six births respectively. However, it climbed back up to eight and ten births in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Interestingly, from 2011 to 2015, there was an increase in popularity, with eleven babies being named Kaleeyah each year for four consecutive years (2011-2014) and then decreasing slightly to six births in 2016.
After a few years of lower numbers, the name Kaleeyah saw another spike in 2018 with eleven births. The most recent data from 2020 shows nine babies were named Kaleeyah, followed by five births in 2022.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that Kaleeyah has maintained a consistent presence among baby names over the past two decades in the United States.