Daly is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname O'Dalaigh, which was originally anglicized to Daly. The name O'Dalaigh is believed to have been derived from the Old Gaelic word "dálach," meaning "bold" or "fierce."
The surname Daly has a rich history in Ireland, tracing back to the 14th century when it was first recorded as a clan name in County Mayo. The Dalys were known for being a sept of the O'Malleys, one of the most powerful and influential families in Connacht, Ireland's western province. Over time, the surname spread beyond its ancestral home and can now be found throughout Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities around the world.
The given name Daly is a more recent development, gaining popularity as a first name in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. It is often chosen for its distinctive sound and Irish heritage, appealing to parents who wish to honor their Irish roots or simply appreciate unique names.
While Daly may not be as common as some other Irish names, it stands out due to its bold and fierce origin. It's a name that carries a sense of strength and courage, reflecting the qualities associated with the ancient Gaelic word "dálach." Whether used as a given name or surname, Daly remains a proud symbol of Irish heritage and tradition.
Based on the statistics provided, we can see that the name Daly has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births with the name Daly occurred in 2002, with a total of 21 babies given this name. This was a significant increase from the previous year (2001) which saw only 12 births.
However, it seems that the popularity of the name Daly has been fluctuating and generally decreasing over time. For instance, after the peak in 2002, there was a notable drop to 8 births in both 2003 and 2005. This trend continued with only 6 births recorded in 2009.
Interestingly, there were several years where the number of Daly births seemed to stabilize around the 8-9 range (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008). It's also worth noting that after a low point of just 5 births in 2015 and 2019, there was an increase to 9 births in both 2020 and 2021. Most recently, there were 11 births recorded in 2023, indicating a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Daly.
In total, over the period from 1988 to 2023, there have been 301 babies named Daly born in the United States. This data provides an interesting snapshot into the trends and fluctuations in the naming preferences for this particular name over time.