Kayleigh is a name of Irish origin that means "lieutenant." It was first used in the 19th century and has since gained popularity around the world. The name is often associated with strength, leadership, and intelligence due to its meaning. Despite being of Irish origin, Kayleigh is not particularly common in Ireland but has become more prevalent in other English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. In recent years, it has also been gaining popularity in other European countries like France and Spain.
The name Kayleigh has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past four decades in the United States.
In the mid-1980s, it was relatively uncommon, with only seven babies named Kayleigh in 1984. However, by 1986, its popularity had surged dramatically to 748 births, indicating that the name was beginning to gain traction among parents.
The popularity of Kayleigh continued to grow throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a peak in 2005 with 1234 births. This suggests that the name had become quite fashionable during this time period.
However, as is common with many names, popularity can fluctuate over time. After its peak in 2005, the number of babies named Kayleigh began to decline steadily. By 2022, there were only 466 births, indicating that the name's popularity has significantly decreased from its heyday.
Overall, between 1984 and 2023, a total of 33,817 babies have been named Kayleigh in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names today, Kayleigh has still been chosen by many parents over the years.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Kayleigh remains a unique and distinctive name with its own special character. Its history in the United States is an interesting example of how trends in naming can evolve over time.