Robley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname "Robbins," which is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name "Hróðvaldr." This name was composed of the elements "hroðr" meaning "famous" or "renowned," and "valdr" meaning "power" or "rule."
The given name Robley is thought to have been created as a variant spelling of the name Robbins. It is not widely used, which contributes to its uniqueness. According to some sources, the name Robley may have been popularized by American author and humorist George Ade (1866-1944), who wrote a play called "The County Chairman" in which one of the characters was named Robley Fairfax.
Despite its relatively obscure origins, the name Robley has appeared sporadically throughout history. For example, there was a Robley Wilson who served as a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Additionally, a notable bearer of the name is Robley Dunglison IV (born 1951), an American businessman and philanthropist who was named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2013.
In summary, while not extremely common or well-known, the given name Robley has an interesting history rooted in English and Old Norse origins. Its unique spelling and relatively sparse usage contribute to its distinctive character, making it a potential choice for parents looking for something truly different for their child's name.
The name Robley has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century, with several periods of increased usage and others where it was less common. The highest number of births recorded for the name occurred in 1945, with a total of 14 newborns named Robley that year. This is also one of the few years where the name was among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States.
Interestingly, the name seems to have had two main periods of popularity: the first being from around 1936 to 1945, with consistent numbers of births each year ranging from 7 to 14. The second period was shorter and occurred about a decade later, between 1952 and 1961, with birth numbers fluctuating between 5 and 10.
However, the name has not been very common in recent decades. Since 1967, there have only been six recorded births with the name Robley each year until 1972, after which it drops off the records entirely. This suggests that the name may have fallen out of favor and is no longer widely used today.
In total, over the span of these years, there were 362 babies named Robley born in the United States. While this number represents a significant portion of individuals with this unique name, it's important to note that these statistics only include births that were registered and do not account for any potential variations in spelling or errors in reporting.
Overall, while Robley may have had its moments of popularity in the past, it seems to have fallen by the wayside in recent years. However, with such a distinct and uncommon name, those who bear it are likely to stand out and be easily remembered.