Motley

An uncommon Middle English pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsMiddle EnglishRising fast Also a pet name
#4024▲ 157in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Motley is a boy's and girl's baby name from Middle English, meaning 'multicolored' or 'of mixed character' — originally describing the parti-colored costume of a court jester. As a surname-name, it carries the irreverent spirit of the iconic rock band Mötley Crüe.

For parents who embrace a name with genuine edge and rock history, Motley is a bold choice. Its literal meaning of 'variegated, colorful' carries its own kind of beauty — a name for a child meant to be vivid, multifaceted, and impossible to categorize.

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Popularity Over Time

Motley has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2010.

0112132422024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Motley
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s122▲
2010s11—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(7 years, 2010–2024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Motley
YearBirthsRank
202427#4024
202326#4181
202242#2983
202114#6231
202013#6515
20116#11809
20105#13631

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Motley as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Motley has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 83 births since 2019.

#6824
Current rank
83
Total births
2023
Peak year
Compare Motley as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Motley be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Motley is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #4024. As a girl's name, it ranks #6824.

Motley has two lives

Motley, the baby name
#4024boys
133 babies
Currently viewing
Motley, the pet name
#3615pet name
22 pets
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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2010–2024) · Methodology