Bailey
Bailey is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Bailiff, steward, or agent of law enforcement.
Origin and history
Bailey originated as an Old English occupational surname referring to a bailiff or steward. While historically given to boys, it experienced a major surge in popularity for girls in the late 20th century, though it continues to be used as a classic unisex name for boys in the U.S.
Popularity in the United States
21,738 babies in the United States have been named Bailey since 1880. It ranks #798 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1209.
States where it is most popular
- CA (8.5 %)
- TX (8.5 %)
- OH (4.8 %)
- GA (4.7 %)
- FL (4.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 78 |
| 1890-1900 | 116 |
| 1900-1910 | 111 |
| 1910-1920 | 295 |
| 1920-1930 | 390 |
| 1930-1940 | 367 |
| 1940-1950 | 301 |
| 1950-1960 | 287 |
| 1960-1970 | 197 |
| 1970-1980 | 169 |
| 1980-1990 | 477 |
| 1990-2000 | 9,926 |
| 2000-2010 | 6,892 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,357 |
| 2020-2029 | 775 |
Famous people named Bailey
- Bailey Chase: Actor
Fun facts
- The name originates from the Middle English word 'baili', which referred to a court official or manager of an estate.
- Originally used predominantly as a masculine name, Bailey gained widespread popular use for girls starting in the late 1980s.