Burley Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Burley originates from Old English, combining elements that refer to a fortified place and a clearing. It has evolved through different historical forms and is associated with strength and nature. There is no biblical relevance linked to the name, and it gained popularity in medieval England, becoming a recognizable surname and later a given name. Today, it conveys a traditional image and is linked to notable figures.
The name Burley is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South 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, Burley has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Burley' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 975th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1140th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1617th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2979th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9536th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18784th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17079th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5980th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Discover how the name 'Burley' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Burley"
Pronunciation
/ˈbɜrli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Burley is derived from the Old English words 'burh,' meaning 'fortified place,' and 'leah,' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing.' Therefore, it can be interpreted as 'the clearing by the fort.'
Meaning
fortified clearing
Language Evolution
Burhlea (Old English), Burley (Middle English), Burley (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Burley gained popularity as a surname in England during the medieval period, particularly in the 13th century, before transitioning into a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Burleigh, Burlee, Burly
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Burley is often perceived as a traditional and somewhat rustic name, associated with natural landscapes and historical roots.
Famous People
Burley Griffin, an Australian architect known for designing Canberra., Burley Brown, an American politician.
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Burley"
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 "Burley"
"Burley" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 975th of 7545 | 798 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1140th of 6773 | 649 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1617th of 7552 | 444 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2979th of 10718 | 185 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9536th of 16616 | 37 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18784th of 24088 | 15 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17079th of 23106 | 18 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5980th of 9107 | 30 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Burley" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
74.79% 1059th/1416 |
- |
34.66% 820th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
43.39% 1021st/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
55.84% 1593rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
61.74% 2172nd/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Burley" 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 "Burley"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Burley" 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.