Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bailey has its origins in Old English, meaning bailiff or steward. It has evolved through various forms in the English language and gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century. The name is associated with traits of responsibility and friendliness. There is no significant biblical relevance to the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbeɪli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Bailey is derived from the Old English word 'bailiff', which referred to an official or steward in charge of a particular area or property. It was originally used as a surname before becoming a popular given name.
Meaning
Bailiff or steward
Language Evolution
Old English: Bailli, Middle English: Baile, Modern English: Bailey
Historical Usage
The name Bailey gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries, due to its pleasant sound and association with a sense of responsibility.
Variants & Derivatives
Baileigh, Baylee, Bailey-Ann
Modern Popularity & Image
Bailey is often perceived as a friendly and approachable name, frequently used for both boys and girls. It has a modern and trendy feel and is popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Bailey Sarian - a well-known YouTuber and makeup artist, Bailey Matthews - an Australian paratriathlete
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,438 peak births in 1998
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (24 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 24 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1053rd of 7545 | 697 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1157th of 6773 | 632 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1529th of 7552 | 499 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2166th of 10718 | 302 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 655th of 16616 | 3,632 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 343rd of 24088 | 14,119 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1436th of 23106 | 1,509 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7503rd of 9107 | 12 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7577th of 19264 | 84 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 219th of 27321 | 20,618 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 82nd of 35406 | 62,244 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 132nd of 30306 | 26,381 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
36.77% 870th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
- |
41.14% 968th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
53.38% 1523rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
57.82% 2034th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.58% 574th/3685 |
18.01% 806th/4475 |
12.36% 642nd/5194 |
9.56% 604th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
6.39% 293rd/4582 |
7.24% 374th/5164 |
4.47% 327th/7313 |
5.40% 403rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
38.45% 1532nd/3984 |
37.55% 1685th/4487 |
19.99% 1364th/6822 |
25.46% 1598th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
95.37% 3355th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.45% 164th/3685 |
10.50% 470th/4475 |
3.83% 199th/5194 |
3.86% 244th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.40% 64th/4582 |
3.18% 164th/5164 |
0.85% 62nd/7313 |
1.27% 95th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.19% 127th/3984 |
4.19% 188th/4487 |
1.73% 118th/6822 |
2.37% 149th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1053rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1157th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1529th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2166th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 655th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 343rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1436th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7503rd out of 9107 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7577th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 219th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 82nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 132nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.