Charleigh is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the traditional English surname Charley, which itself has two possible origins. The most common derivation of Charley is as an Anglicized form of the Norman French name Charles, meaning "free man" or "strong". This name was popular among the Normans who invaded England in 1066, and it has been widely used in English-speaking countries ever since.
The other possible origin of Charley is from the English word "charcoal", which refers to black, burned wood used for fuel. It is believed that this name was given as a occupational surname to people involved in the production or sale of charcoal. However, this derivation is less common than the Norman French origin.
Despite its traditional roots, the name Charleigh has only become popular in recent years. It first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States in 2018, ranking at number 976 for girls' names that year. Since then, it has continued to gain popularity and is now considered a trendy and fashionable choice for parents looking for unique names with a modern twist.
While Charleigh may be a relatively new addition to the list of popular baby names, its roots can be traced back through centuries of English history. Its traditional origins give it a sense of timelessness and familiarity, while its unique spelling and pronunciation make it stand out from more common names like Charlotte or Charlie. Overall, Charleigh is an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that combines tradition with modernity and individuality.
"The name Charleigh experienced significant growth in popularity from the late 1990s to early 2010s, with a notable spike around 2015-2016, and has maintained a steady presence since."