What Does the Name Kylie Mean?
Kylie is generally traced to the Noongar word kiley or kylie, meaning "curved, returning stick" -- a hunting and fighting tool similar to, though not identical to, a boomerang.
The Origin & History of Kylie
Public records show Kylie in use as a given name in Australia as far back as 1877, one of the relatively few Aboriginal-language words adopted into English-speaking Australian naming at the time. It rose sharply in Australian popularity from the late 1960s, becoming the country's fifth most popular girls' name by 1970.
Cultural Reach
Kylie spread internationally in the 1980s largely on the strength of Australian singer and actress Kylie Minogue, who brought the name to global pop-culture prominence and helped it take root in the US, UK, and beyond.
Famous People Named Kylie
Notable bearers include Kylie Minogue, the Australian singer and "Princess of Pop," and Kylie Jenner, the American media personality and cosmetics entrepreneur.
Nicknames & Variations
Ky is the most common nickname. Spelling variants include Kylee, Kyleigh, and Kiley.
Is Kylie a Good Name in 2026?
Kylie's blend of an unusual linguistic origin and decades of mainstream pop-culture familiarity keeps it feeling both distinctive and easy to recognize.