Caley is a unique and charming given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "caolach," which means "slender" or "slim." The name Caley is often associated with the Cailean variant, which is a traditional Scottish masculine given name meaning "slender" as well.
The name Caley has a rich history in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. It was traditionally used as a boy's name but has become more unisex in recent years. Some famous individuals named Caley include American baseball player Cale Iorg and Australian rules footballer Scott Camporeale, who is also known by his nickname "Caley."
Despite its masculine origins, Caley has gained popularity as a given name for girls in recent decades. It offers a unique alternative to more traditional feminine names while still retaining its Scottish heritage. Whether you're looking for a distinctive moniker for your daughter or honoring your Scottish roots, Caley is an excellent choice for a first or middle name.
Based on the statistics provided for the given name Caley in the United States from 1973 to 2021, we can observe several trends over time.
The earliest recorded birth year for Caley is 1973, with only five births registered that year. The following year, there were seven births, indicating a slight increase in popularity during this period. However, the number of births fluctuated significantly from year to year throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, ranging from six to nine births annually.
Interestingly, the popularity of the name Caley peaked between 1983 and 1989, with a significant increase in the number of births each year. In 1983 alone, there were 37 recorded births, which is more than triple the number of births from just five years prior (in 1978). This trend continued, reaching its peak in 1989 with 98 births that year.
Throughout the 1990s, the popularity of Caley began to decline. While there were still several years with more than 70 births annually, the overall trend was decreasing. By the end of the decade (1999), there were only 96 births recorded for the name Caley.
This downward trend continued into the early 2000s, with fewer than 100 births each year until reaching a low point in 2008 with just 48 births. Despite some fluctuations, the number of births remained relatively low and stable throughout the remainder of the 2000s and early 2010s.
From 2014 onwards, the popularity of the name Caley continued to decline significantly. There were only 23 births recorded in both 2015 and 2016, followed by even fewer births each subsequent year: 13 in 2017, 18 in 2018, 14 in 2019, 11 in 2020, and finally just six births recorded in 2021.
In total, there were 2,468 births registered for the name Caley in the United States from 1973 to 2021. While the popularity of the name has experienced several peaks and valleys over time, it appears that Caley is no longer a highly popular choice for newborns in recent years.