Rayleigh is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Rayleigh, which is itself derived from the village of Rayleigh in Essex, England. The name Rayleigh is believed to have originated from the Old English words "ræg" meaning "roe deer" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing," thus giving the name a poetic and nature-inspired meaning.
The first recorded use of the surname Rayleigh was in the late 12th century, but it wasn't until much later that the name began to be used as a given name. In the 19th century, the physicist John William Strutt, who became known by his title Lord Rayleigh after inheriting the Barony of Rayleigh, helped to popularize the use of Rayleigh as a given name.
Today, Rayleigh is still a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be used by parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Its nature-inspired origins and association with intelligence and achievement through Lord Rayleigh's scientific contributions make it an appealing choice for many families. While its pronunciation may vary depending on the region, the most common pronunciation of Rayleigh is "RAY-lee.
Statistics on the name Rayleigh in the United States from 2016 to 2023 show a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in its usage. In 2016, there were 5 babies named Rayleigh, and this number remained consistent in 2018 as well. However, there was a notable increase in popularity in the following years, with 10 births each in 2019 and again in 2021. The year 2020 saw a slight decrease to 6 births, but this was followed by another rise to 16 births in 2022, marking a significant peak for the name during this period. The most recent data from 2023 shows a slight dip from the previous year with 13 births recorded. Overall, between 2016 and 2023, there have been a total of 65 babies named Rayleigh born in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, it appears that the name Rayleigh continues to be chosen by parents for their newborns during this seven-year span.