Okley
A boy's name of Old English origin with 129 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Okley peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 16 babies received this name in a single year (1922). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Okley has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Okley is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Okley is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a variant spelling of Oakley, derived from an Old English place name meaning 'oak wood' or 'oak clearing' — from ac (oak) and leah (woodland clearing). The iconic sunglasses brand and sharpshooting legend Annie Oakley have given the name considerable cool factor.
Okley is a streamlined spelling variant that keeps the name's strong, outdoorsy energy. Oak trees have long been symbols of strength, endurance, and longevity — values that translate perfectly into a name for a child you hope will grow strong and true.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Okley belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their bright, approachable ending — giving the name a friendly, informal feel. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Old English naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Old English names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Okley’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Okley has 14+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 18 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 74 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 31 | — |
The Story of Okley
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1922, Okley is a name steeped in history. Boys named Okley are most likely born between 1915 and 1932.
How rare is Okley?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Okley is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, peaked in the 1920s with 74 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Okley by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(14 years, 1915–1957)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 6 | #3860 |
| 1937 | 8 | #2833 |
| 1930 | 10 | #2734 |
| 1929 | 5 | #4386 |
| 1928 | 13 | #2356 |
| 1927 | 12 | #2487 |
| 1925 | 7 | #3646 |
| 1923 | 12 | #2561 |
| 1922 | 16 | #2118 |
| 1920 | 9 | #3142 |
| 1919 | 7 | #3652 |
| 1917 | 8 | #3131 |
| 1916 | 9 | #2871 |
| 1915 | 7 | #3300 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okley a boy's or girl's name?
When was Okley most popular?
How popular is the name Okley?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–1957