Linley is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'hlinc' meaning "from the holly bush". It has been predominantly used as a masculine name in recent times but was once popular for females as well. The name gained notable usage during the 19th century and has since maintained a steady presence among baby names in English-speaking countries. Today, Linley is often associated with the high-end British furniture brand of the same name, which may influence its perception and popularity.
The name Linley experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1987 (14 births) and peaking in 2021 (89 births). Before this trend, it was relatively uncommon, with annual births ranging from 5 to 11 between 1952 and 1983. The name's highest popularity occurred recently, with the years 2021 and 2022 both seeing over 70 births. Since the 1980s, Linley has become a more common choice for parents, with a total of 1553 babies named Linley from 1952 to 2023.