Barclay Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Barclay is a Scottish name meaning 'barley clearing', originating from the Old English terms for barley and clearing. It has evolved through historical forms like Bereclea and has been associated with noble Scottish families. The name does not have biblical relevance but gained popularity during the Middle Ages. Today, it is viewed as a traditional name with associations of strength and heritage, with notable figures in history bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Barclay"
Pronunciation
/ˈbɑːr.kleɪ/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Barclay is derived from the place name 'Barclay' in Scotland, which itself comes from the Old English 'bere' (barley) and 'clee' (a clearing or meadow).
Meaning
barley clearing
Language Evolution
Old English: Bereclea, Middle English: Barclay, Modern English: Barclay
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was often associated with noble families.
Variants & Derivatives
Barkley, Burkley, Berkeley
Modern Popularity & Image
Barclay is perceived as a traditional and strong name, often associated with nobility and heritage.
Famous People
John Barclay (poet), James Barclay (Scottish soldier and politician), Barclay de Tolly (Russian general)
📊 Barclay Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Barclay Name Visualizations
✨ Barclay Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 31 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Barclay" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Barclay". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Barclay" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Barclay"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Barclay"
"Barclay" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3419th of 7545 | 93 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2400th of 6773 | 182 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2330th of 7552 | 232 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2595th of 10718 | 228 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4646th of 16616 | 161 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13533rd of 24088 | 42 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17702nd of 23106 | 16 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 12628th of 19264 | 24 |
Regional Popularity of "Barclay" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Barclay" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Barclay"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Barclay" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Barclay" in the United States
The name Barclay is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Barclay has been stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Barclay' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3419th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2400th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2330th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2595th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4646th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13533rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17702nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 12628th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Barclay' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.