Burley
Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 2,310 recorded births. Also given to 40 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Burley is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from a surname derived from a place name meaning 'fortress clearing' or 'fortified meadow.' Transferred to given-name use in the American South, it carries an earthy, place-rooted character.
EtymologyShow more
Burley is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Old English naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Burley creates its characteristic bright, approachable quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Burley has 108+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1880.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 7 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 11 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 15 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 41 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 97 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 167 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 234 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 320 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 377 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 448 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 348 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 90 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 68 | ▼ |
| 1880s | 82 | — |
The Story of Burley
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1921, Burley is a name steeped in history. Boys named Burley are most likely born between 1911 and 1931.
How rare is Burley?
With 2,310 total births on record, Burley remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1880, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 448 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Burley by the numbers
- Would fill 48 school buses
- Meeting one Burley per day would take 6.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(108 years, 1880–2020)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | #9727 |
| 2016 | 5 | #12486 |
| 2014 | 6 | #10924 |
| 2000 | 5 | #10581 |
| 1999 | 5 | #10105 |
| 1998 | 5 | #9821 |
| 1991 | 5 | #8362 |
| 1984 | 6 | #5656 |
| 1983 | 9 | #4173 |
| 1982 | 6 | #5724 |
| 1981 | 11 | #3636 |
| 1980 | 9 | #4179 |
| 1979 | 9 | #4115 |
| 1978 | 8 | #4200 |
| 1977 | 9 | #3880 |
| 1976 | 7 | #4500 |
| 1975 | 8 | #3996 |
| 1974 | 9 | #3598 |
| 1973 | 9 | #3480 |
| 1972 | 15 | #2444 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Burley as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Burley has also been given to 40 girls in the U.S. since 1900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burley a boy's or girl's name?
When was Burley most popular?
How popular is the name Burley?
Can Burley be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1880–2020