Sibley
Primarily a girl's name of Old English origin with 117 recorded births. Also given to 18 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Sibley is a baby name of Old English origin, derived from the medieval English form of Sibyl, meaning 'prophetess' — from the Greek sibylla, referring to the ancient oracles who delivered prophecies. As a surname, Sibley spread through English-speaking countries.
The name has a gentle, bookish quality with a hint of mysticism. It evokes the distinguished American naturalist and bird illustrator David Allen Sibley, giving it an outdoorsy, intellectual appeal that fits perfectly with the nature-name trend.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Sibley is a girl's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2000–2022). Its Old English roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 117 total births, Sibley exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sibley has 16+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2000.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 15 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 71 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 31 | — |
The Story of Sibley
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Sibley is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Sibley are most likely born between 2007 and 2022.
How rare is Sibley?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sibley is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2000, peaked in the 2010s with 71 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Sibley by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(16 years, 2000–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | #15052 |
| 2020 | 9 | #10968 |
| 2019 | 11 | #9650 |
| 2018 | 6 | #15401 |
| 2017 | 12 | #9272 |
| 2016 | 8 | #12730 |
| 2015 | 8 | #12851 |
| 2014 | 8 | #12911 |
| 2013 | 5 | #18891 |
| 2012 | 8 | #13308 |
| 2011 | 5 | #19172 |
| 2008 | 6 | #17199 |
| 2006 | 5 | #19640 |
| 2004 | 9 | #11483 |
| 2002 | 6 | #15139 |
| 2000 | 5 | #17240 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Sibley as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Sibley has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 18 births since 1917.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sibley a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sibley most popular?
How popular is the name Sibley?
Can Sibley be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2000–2022