Calley is an uncommon, yet captivating female given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname 'Cally', which itself was derived from 'calf'. In medieval times, a 'cally' was someone who drove cattle, hence the name's association with livestock. Today, Calley is often chosen as a unique and memorable first name for girls, carrying with it a rustic charm reminiscent of its rural origins. The name can be found in scattered instances throughout history, such as Calley Beardsley, an American abolitionist and women's rights activist born in the mid-19th century. Despite its rarity, Calley has a certain elegance and simplicity that makes it appealing as a modern first name choice.
"The name Calley experienced a surge in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with peaks of 33 births in 1987, 41 births in 1990, and consistent numbers over 30 until 1996. However, it has since declined, with less than 15 births annually from 2005 onwards, and recent years showing only 5-7 births per year."