Bailey is an English surname that originates from the Middle English word "balye," which means "bailiff" or "fortified place." The name was originally given to someone who held a position of authority, such as a bailiff, steward, or constable. It could also be used as a place-name, referring to a fortified manor house.
The use of Bailey as a given name is relatively modern, with its popularity increasing in the late 20th century. In recent years, it has become more common among girls than boys, although historically it was used for both sexes.
In terms of meaning and symbolism, the name Bailey does not have any specific associations beyond its historical context as a surname or place-name. However, some people might associate it with the concept of authority or responsibility, given its original meanings related to positions of power and fortified places.
The name Bailey has been used in popular culture in various ways. It is the title of a novel by Dave Eggers, published in 2001, which follows the life of a young girl named Bailey. Additionally, there have been several notable people with the surname Bailey throughout history, including Thomas Bailey Aldrich, an American novelist and poet from the late 19th century.
In summary, Bailey is an English surname turned given name that originally referred to someone in a position of authority or a fortified place. Its use as a personal name has become more popular in recent decades, particularly for girls. While it does not have any specific symbolic meanings beyond its historical context, some people might associate it with concepts related to power and responsibility.
The name Bailey experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, reaching its peak with over 5,000 births per year between 1995 and 1997. After this peak, the number of births with the name Bailey gradually declined, reaching approximately 1,600 births annually by the early 2020s. The total number of births registered as Bailey from 1916 to 2023 is 107,678.