Carley is a name of English origin, derived from the word "carline," which is an archaic term for a small group of people. It is also sometimes associated with the Gaelic surname "Carley" or "Carlyle," which means "from the marketplace."
The name Carley has no specific meaning in itself, but its association with the word "carline" suggests a connection to community and group identity. It is a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for girls.
There is no significant historical figure or event associated specifically with the name Carley. However, the surname Carlyle has been notable in Scottish history, as Sir Thomas Carlyle was a prominent 19th-century historian and writer.
In recent years, the name Carley has gained some popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is often used as an alternative to more common names like Caroline or Carrie, but it remains relatively rare compared to these names.
Overall, Carley is a unique and distinctive name with a subtle and somewhat mysterious origin. While it does not have a specific meaning or history attached to it, its association with community and identity may make it appealing to parents looking for a name that is meaningful yet unusual.
The name Carley has had a fascinating journey in terms of its popularity over the years in the United States. In the early to mid-20th century, the number of babies named Carley fluctuated significantly year by year. From 1921 to 1934, there were between 5 and 26 births each year with the name Carley.
However, beginning in 1973, we start to see a significant increase in the number of babies named Carley. This year marked a turning point, with 37 births, which was a substantial jump from the previous years. The trend continued upwards over the next few decades, reaching an all-time high in 1992 with 616 births that year.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Carley's popularity maintain at a relatively high level, with around 500 to 700 babies named Carley each year. However, since then, the name has begun to decline in popularity. As of 2023, there were only 61 births with the name Carley in the United States.
In total, from 1921 to 2023, there have been 16,796 babies named Carley born in the U.S. This data provides an insightful look into how a name's popularity can ebb and flow over time, with Carley being a clear example of a name that has experienced both peaks and valleys in its usage throughout the decades.