Conley is an uncommon given name of English origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Cléirigh, which is believed to mean "descendant of the bright-haired one." The name gained prominence through Seán Pádraig Ó Conaill, a 16th-century Irish scribe and historian who wrote about the life of Saint Patrick. Today, Conley is more often encountered as a surname rather than a given name, but it can be used as either, adding a unique touch to those who bear it.
The name Conley experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past six decades, with a notable increase starting around the mid-90s and peaking recently in 2022. The name's usage was relatively low during its first recorded appearance in 1963 and again in 1991, with only five births each year. However, it began to gain traction in the late 90s, reaching double-digit numbers annually from 1997 onwards.
The years 2005 to 2007 marked a period of substantial growth for the name's popularity, with a total of 43 births recorded each year. This upward trend continued through 2016, culminating in an all-time high of 53 births that year. While there was some slight variation in subsequent years, Conley's popularity has remained consistently high, with over 30 births recorded annually since 2017.
In total, the name Conley has been given to 512 newborns between 1963 and 2023, as per the provided statistics.