Isley is an uncommon given name of African American origin. It is derived from the surname Isley, which is believed to have originated from a Norman barony in the village of Isles in Seine-Maritime, France. The surname is thought to mean "from Isles," referring to the village where the family was originally based.
The name Isley gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among African American communities. It is often associated with the popular soul and funk band The Isley Brothers, which consisted of three brothers from Cincinnati, Ohio: O'Kelly "K.C." Isley, Ronald Isley, and Rudolph "Rudy" Isley.
Despite its roots in France, the name Isley has become closely tied to African American culture and music. It is still a relatively rare given name today, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance.
The name Isley has been consistently present in the United States over the past three decades, with a total of 269 babies being born with this name since 1993.
In the early years, the number of births was relatively low, ranging from five to nine per year between 1993 and 2004. However, there has been a significant increase in its popularity since then, reaching double digits every year except for two (2005 and 2013).
The years with the highest number of Isley births were 2016 and 2020, both with 21 occurrences. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has certainly gained traction in recent years.
It is interesting to note that there was a dip in popularity between 2018 (with nine births) and 2019 (with thirteen), suggesting that perhaps parents were waiting for the perfect moment to introduce this unique name into their families. Nevertheless, the overall trend shows consistent growth over time, indicating that Isley is likely here to stay as a viable option for parents looking for distinctive names for their children.
In conclusion, while it may not be among the top choices for baby names in America, Isley has shown steady growth and popularity since the mid-1990s. With its unique sound and spelling, this name offers an appealing alternative to more common options, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking something different yet still meaningful for their newborns.