Motley, an uncommon and distinctive given name, is of English origin. It was traditionally used as a surname before becoming a forename. The name Motley is derived from the Middle English word 'motli', which referred to a mixture of colors or textures, often pertaining to fabrics like those worn by jokers in medieval times. Thus, the name Motley is associated with diversity and uniqueness. In literature, it gained notable recognition through Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest," where a character named Algernon Moncrieff has a friend named 'Motty' or 'Motley.' This usage contributes to its literary charm and intrigue.
The name Motley experienced a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with a marked jump from 13 births in 2020 to 42 births in 2022, and then maintaining a high figure of 25 births in 2023. However, prior to this surge, the name's usage was quite consistent, fluctuating between 5 and 13 births annually from 2010 to 2020. Overall, from 2010 to 2023, there were a total of 104 babies named Motley born each year.