Cooley is a unique and uncommon given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Gaelic surname "Ó Cuileannáin", which means "descendant of Cuileannán". The name Cuileannán itself comes from the Irish word "cuil" meaning "back or hip" and the suffix "-án", which denotes a diminutive.
The Cooley family, also known as Ó Cuileannáins, were an ancient sept who traced their lineage back to the legendary hero Cú Chulainn, whose name means "the Hound of Culann". According to Irish mythology, Cú Chulainn was a warrior and a central figure in the Ulster Cycle. The Cooley family were originally associated with County Louth, Ireland, where they gave their name to the area known as "Cooley Peninsula".
Throughout history, the name Cooley has been primarily used as a surname, but in recent times it has begun to appear more frequently as a given name, particularly among families with Irish ancestry or those looking for unique and meaningful names.
In terms of its meaning, Cooley does not have any specific associated traits or characteristics. However, like many Irish names, it carries with it a rich historical and cultural heritage tied to the land, language, and legends of Ireland.
The name Cooley has seen a steady presence in the United States over the years, with consistent birth numbers. According to the statistics provided, there were 5 babies named Cooley in 1918 and another 5 babies named Cooley in 2009. This results in a total of 10 births for the name Cooley across these two specific years. While the number may not be exceptionally high, it shows that the name has maintained its usage over the decades, with an average of about one birth per year between these two points in time. It's interesting to note how some names can remain consistent in popularity despite not being among the most common choices.