Kiley is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh. This surname is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic word "ceallach," which means "strife" or "contention." However, it's important to note that the meaning of Kiley as a given name is not directly related to its original meaning as a surname.
The name Kiley first appeared in Irish records during the 16th century. It was initially used as a boy's name but has since become unisex and is more commonly used for girls today. Despite its originally male-associated roots, there is no specific record of when or how Kiley began to be used as a girl's name.
In recent years, Kiley has gained popularity as a given name in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the US, Kiley first appeared on the list of popular baby names for girls in 1982 and reached its peak popularity between 1994 and 1997.
Overall, while Kiley may have Irish origins and a surname-derived meaning, its use as a given name is more associated with modern trends in naming practices rather than historical or traditional meanings. Its popularity has grown steadily over the past few decades, making it a contemporary choice for parents seeking unique yet familiar names for their children.
The name Kiley has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, it was quite rare with only five births recorded each year between 1958 and 1963.
However, starting from 1964, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with eight births that year. This trend continued into the 1970s, with the highest number of births reaching 273 in 1978. The name maintained a significant presence throughout this decade, with over 200 births annually from 1976 to 1980.
The 1980s and early 1990s saw Kiley's popularity fluctuate between around 150 to 350 births per year. The name reached its peak popularity in the late 1990s, with over 400 births each year from 1996 to 2002.
Since then, there has been a steady decline in the popularity of the name Kiley. Between 2003 and 2015, the number of annual births decreased significantly, from a high of 850 in 2003 to a low of 307 in 2015.
The trend continued into the 2010s and early 2020s, with fewer than 250 births recorded each year. In fact, in 2022, there were only 68 births named Kiley in the United States, marking a significant decrease from its peak popularity nearly four decades ago.
Overall, while Kiley has seen periods of significant popularity, it appears that this name is no longer as common as it once was in the United States.