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 has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names, the name Bailey first began to appear with notable frequency in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1979, there were 17 births with the name Bailey, marking a significant increase from previous years. The trend continued into the 1980s, with 56 births in 1980, 83 in 1981, and 111 in 1982. By 1984, the name Bailey was bestowed upon 267 newborns, indicating that it had begun to gain traction as a popular choice among parents.
The popularity of the name Bailey peaked between 1995 and 1997, during which time it consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names for newborn girls in the United States. In 1996 alone, there were 5024 births with the name Bailey, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Since then, the popularity of the name Bailey has fluctuated but remained relatively stable. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of newborn girls named Bailey ranged between a low of 1646 in 2022 to a high of 3934 in 2007.
Overall, the name Bailey has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for several decades. With over 107,678 babies named Bailey born between 1916 and 2023, it is clear that this name continues to hold appeal for many families.