Arley is a unique and uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "earn" which means "eagle". Therefore, Arley can be interpreted as a name that signifies strength, courage, and freedom, much like the bird it is named after.
The name Arley has a rich history in England. It was first used as a surname for people who lived near the village of Arley in Cheshire, England. The village itself is believed to have been named after the Old English words "earn" and "leah", which means "clearing". Over time, the name evolved from being primarily a surname to also being used as a given name.
Today, Arley is still not a very common name, but it continues to be used by some families who appreciate its unique sound and strong meaning. It is often used for boys, but can also be used for girls as a unisex name. Overall, the name Arley carries with it a sense of uniqueness, strength, and historical significance that makes it appealing to those looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Arley experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 3483 births recorded from 1885 to 2023. The peak years for this name were around the early 1900s and again in recent times. In 1912, there were as many as 21 births, and in 2023, there were 83 births recorded. However, between the 1950s and late 1970s, Arley was quite uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year on average.