Conley is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "Ó Cléirigh," which means "descendant of Cleirich." The surname itself is believed to have been earned by an early chieftain who was known for his brightness or clarity, as "Cléirich" translates to "bright" or "clear."
The name Conley has a rich history in Ireland. It is often associated with the O'Clery clan, who were prominent poets and scholars during the Middle Ages. The most famous member of this clan was Giolla Brighde Ó Cléirigh, also known as Gilla Brighde Mac Con Uladh, who lived in the 15th century. He was a renowned bard and is credited with preserving many ancient Irish texts.
While Conley has been primarily used as a surname for centuries, it began to be used as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century. Today, it is still relatively uncommon, but it continues to grow in popularity due to its unique sound and rich historical significance.
The name Conley has a rich history in the United States, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1882 and the latest in 2023. Over this period of 141 years, there have been a total of 3947 births registered.
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the number of babies named Conley remained relatively low, with annual birth counts ranging from 5 to 15. However, the period between 1914 and 1929 saw a significant increase in popularity for this name, with over 40 births occurring annually during these years.
The peak of Conley's popularity came in the mid-20th century, with more than 70 babies being named Conley each year from 1958 to 1963. This period also witnessed a high point in the total number of births recorded for this name – over 450 between 1950 and 1964 alone.
Since then, while the popularity of the name has fluctuated somewhat, it has remained relatively consistent, with around 20-70 babies named Conley each year from 1970 to present day. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were 69 births registered for this name.
In conclusion, despite some variation in its popularity over time, the name Conley has maintained a steady presence among newborns in the United States throughout the past century and continues to be chosen today by parents seeking distinctive yet timeless names for their children.