Mayley is a unique and distinctive given name of recent origin, believed to have emerged as a variant spelling of the name Molly. It is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word 'Malkin', which was used to refer to a female cat or a woman considered unfeminine or unpleasant. The name Mayley gained popularity in the late 20th century and early 21st century, likely due to its association with the celebrity world, as it has been used by several public figures as both a first and middle name. Despite its unconventional spelling, Mayley is considered easy to pronounce and has a pleasing rhythmic flow. It consists of three syllables: Ma-y-lee. There are no specific records or stories associated with this name that predate its modern usage, making it a truly contemporary choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet appealing name for their child.
The name Mayley has seen fluctuating popularity over the years, with a significant spike in usage from 2007 to 2009, peaking at 15 births in 2009. After this peak, the number of births annually ranged between 6 and 14 until 2018, when it jumped to 19, the highest recorded since 2009. Since then, the numbers have remained relatively stable, with a total of 185 Mayley babies born between 2002 and 2023.