Laney is a name of American origin, derived from the English surname Lane, which was originally an occupational name for someone who lived or worked in a lane, a narrow roadway between two rows of houses. The name Laney is typically given to girls and has gained popularity as a unisex name in recent years.
The meaning of Laney is not explicitly defined by any specific language or culture. However, its association with lanes suggests that it could be interpreted to mean "one who lives in a narrow passage," or perhaps more metaphorically, "a pathfinder" or "someone who follows their own unique path."
The name Laney experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. From 1883 to 1968, it maintained a steady but low presence, with fewer than 17 births per year. However, starting from 1969, there was a notable surge in its popularity, reaching a peak of 53 births in 1981. The name continued to be moderately popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with around 25-40 births per year. Since the turn of the century, Laney has experienced another surge in popularity, reaching its highest point in recent years with over 400 births each year between 2000 and 2007. Although there has been some fluctuation since then, Laney remains a popular choice, with around 370-458 births per year from 2016 to 2023. In total, the name Laney has been given to 13,185 newborns over the years.