Baily is an uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the medieval English surname Bailey, which was originally an occupational name for a steward or a varlet, who were servants in a household responsible for carrying messages and performing other duties.
The name Baily has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of other names with similar sounds such as Bailey, which has been used as both a surname and a given name for centuries. There is also some evidence that the name may have been inspired by astronomical terms related to the study of stars and galaxies, such as baily's beads, which are a series of small, bright points of light seen during a solar eclipse.
Despite its origins in medieval England, Baily has not been widely used as a given name until recent times. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there have only been around 50 baby boys named Baily born in the United States each year since the name first appeared on record in 1983.
Today, Baily remains a rare and unique name, perhaps appealing to parents looking for an uncommon but meaningful name for their child. Its association with stars and astronomy may also make it particularly appealing to those interested in science or space exploration. Overall, while not widely used, the name Baily has a rich history and interesting origins that set it apart from other names.
The name Baily peaked in popularity between 1996 and 1997 with a combined total of 100 births during these two years. However, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Baily since then, with only 6 births recorded in 2008. The overall total of births for the name Baily from 1994 to 2008 is 417.