Raleigh is an English given name that originated as a surname, derived from the Old Norse personal name Hralldr, which consisted of the elements hraudaz meaning "famous" and landz meaning "land". The surname Raleigh was brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It became popular as a given name during the Victorian era in the 19th century.
In literature, the name Raleigh is most notably associated with Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618), an English explorer, writer, and poet of the Elizabethan era. He was a member of the expedition that founded Roanoke Colony in North America, which later became known as the "Lost Colony." This association has contributed to the name Raleigh being perceived as adventurous and bold.
The name Raleigh is also sometimes associated with the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, which was named after Sir Walter Raleigh by his son, Sir Thomas Raleigh. This connection has helped to popularize the name in America.
The name Raleigh experienced a notable increase in popularity from the late 1970s onwards, with a significant spike starting in the mid-1980s and peaking around the years 1992 to 2005. However, it's important to note that the overall trend shows a decline in popularity after 2005, with fewer than 100 births per year occurring since then.