Conley is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Cléirigh, which means "descendant of the bright or clear." The name has a rich history dating back to medieval Ireland.
The Ó Cléirigh family was a prominent clan in County Donegal, Ireland. They were known for their scholarly pursuits and many members held high-ranking positions within the Catholic Church. One notable figure was Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh, who served as the Bishop of Raphoe from 1594 to 1623.
Over time, the surname became anglicized to Conley, and it is now more commonly associated with Ireland's history than its original Gaelic roots. Despite this, Conley remains a name that is deeply rooted in Irish culture and tradition.
Today, Conley is not as common as some other names of Irish origin, but it still carries a unique charm and appeal. It is often chosen by parents who want to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Whether you're looking for a name that is unique yet meaningful or simply appreciate the beauty of Gaelic culture, Conley may be an excellent choice.
The name Conley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. While there were only five births recorded with this name in 1963 and again in 1991, it began to gain traction in the late 1990s, with ten births each in both 1995 and 1997.
The turn of the century brought a slight decrease, with five births recorded in both 1999 and 2001. However, starting from 2002, there has been a steady increase in the number of babies named Conley each year. The highest point so far was reached in 2022, with an impressive 53 births.
In total, since 1963 until 2023, there have been 512 births recorded with the name Conley in the United States. This upward trend suggests that this unique and distinctive name is becoming more popular among parents choosing names for their newborns.