Bartley is a rare and unique name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "beorht" meaning bright or famous, and "leah" which refers to a wood or clearing. Therefore, Bartley can be translated to mean "bright meadow" or "famous wood".
The name Bartley has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages in England. It was often used as a surname before it became a given name. Some of the earliest records of the name include Bartlee de Barton who was listed in the Assize Rolls of Shropshire in 1236, and Bartholomew Bartley who was recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of Norfolk in 1273.
Over time, the name Bartley has evolved and become more popular as a given name. Today, it is still relatively uncommon, but can be found throughout the English-speaking world. It is often associated with the town of Bartley in Hampshire, England, which may have contributed to its popularity in that region.
Overall, the name Bartley is unique, meaningful, and has a rich history behind it. Its connection to nature through the words "meadow" and "wood" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep roots.
The name Bartley experienced fluctuating popularity over the years with a significant increase starting around 1915 and peaking between 1948 to 1959, followed by a steady decline since the late 1970s. The highest number of births in any single year was 68 in 1959, while the lowest was 5 in multiple years including 2007 and 2009. Overall, there were 1933 births with the name Bartley from 1886 to 2021.