Caley
About Caley
Caley is a feminine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. Derived from the Gaelic 'Cailean' (meaning 'young dog' or possibly 'slender'), it emerged as both a surname and given name in Celtic regions. Caley offers a modern feel while maintaining authentic cultural roots. The name has a bright, approachable quality with its light, two-syllable structure. While never reaching widespread popularity, Caley saw modest usage in the 1980s-90s, particularly in regions with strong Celtic heritage. The name sometimes serves as a variation of Kayley/Kayleigh or Callie. Caley projects a nature-loving, spirited personality with its outdoor associations and energetic sound. Its relative rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable and accessible.
Pronounced KAY-lee.
As of October 2026, Caley ranked #11124 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1457 in 1994.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Caley on lists
Famous Caleys
- Caley Leigh Chase
daughter of actor Chevy Chase