Hurley is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó hUairtliath, which means "descendant of Hurtle," with Hurtle being an old Irish word for noisy or tumultuous. Despite its strong Irish roots, Hurley has been popularized in recent times due to various notable figures bearing the name, such as American actor David Hurley and Australian cricketer Matthew Hurley.
The name Hurley is often associated with the game of hurling, a traditional Irish sport played with a small ball and a wooden stick called a hurley. This connection may have contributed to its popularity among sports enthusiasts and those with Irish heritage.
In literature, the name Hurley has appeared in works by authors like George Bernard Shaw and Joseph O'Neill, further adding to its cultural significance. However, it is important to note that there is no specific literary character named Hurley that has significantly impacted the name's popularity or meaning.
Overall, Hurley is a captivating given name with deep Irish roots and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from many other names. Its strong association with the sport of hurling also adds an element of uniqueness to this already remarkable moniker.
The name Hurley has been given to a total of 2,572 babies born in the United States since 1881. While it experienced some popularity fluctuations over time, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout its history.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Hurley hovered between 5 to 13 per year, with occasional peaks such as 24 births in 1913 and 54 births in 1926. The highest recorded number of Hurley births in a single year was 43 in 1917.
However, starting from the mid-20th century, the name's popularity began to decline significantly. Between 1955 and 1985, there were fewer than 15 Hurley births each year on average. The lowest point came in 1960 with only 12 births.
After a brief resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching as high as 23 births in 2007, the name's popularity has steadily decreased again. Since 2015, there have been fewer than 25 Hurley births each year.
Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Hurley has never been extremely common in the United States. It remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon yet historically present name.