Lynley is a unisex name of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'lyn', meaning 'lake', and 'leah', signifying 'woodland clearing'. It gained prominence during the Victorian era, often used as a surname before transitioning to a given name in the 20th century. Lynley is associated with elegance and natural beauty, evoking images of tranquil lakes surrounded by verdant woods.
The name Lynley experienced a notable rise in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a significant peak in the years 2016 and 2017, followed by a slight decline in recent years. The most common years for the name were 2016 (46 births) and 2017 (34 births). However, it's important to note that overall, Lynley has been relatively uncommon throughout history, with most years seeing fewer than 10 births.