Chanley is of American origin, derived from the English surname "Channel", which was occupational in nature, referring to someone who lived near a channel or river. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century and early 21st century. It is often spelled with variations such as Chanell, Chanale, or Chanele.
"Chanley has seen a steady increase in popularity over the years, with notable spikes in 2009 (19 births) and 2016 (11 births), but remains relatively uncommon overall."