Caleigh is a unique and distinctive female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Caoile" which means "descendant of Caoil" or "helper". The name Caoil itself comes from the Irish word "caol" meaning "slender".
The earliest known bearer of the O'Caoile surname was a 12th-century Irish chieftain named Caol Ágha, who was the founder of the O'Caoile sept in County Mayo. Over time, the name evolved from a surname to a given name, becoming popular among Irish families.
The name Caleigh is not particularly common, but it has gained some recognition due to its unique sound and Irish heritage. It has also been used as a female variant of the name Cailean which means "combat ready".
While there is no specific historical figure associated with the name Caleigh, it carries the rich history and cultural significance of Ireland with it. As a name of Irish origin, Caleigh may appeal to those who wish to honor their Irish heritage or simply appreciate unique and meaningful names.
In terms of popularity, Caleigh has not yet made it onto the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States, but it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with a strong cultural background.
The name Caleigh has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1984, there were only 7 babies named Caleigh. However, by 1999, that number had increased to 322 births. The name reached its peak popularity in 2005 with 239 births.
From 2006 onwards, the number of babies named Caleigh began to decline. In 2017, there were only 99 births, and by 2022, that number had fallen to 60. The most recent data from 2023 shows a slight increase with 74 births.
Overall, since 1984, there have been a total of 5660 babies named Caleigh in the United States. While the name has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.