Orley Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Orley is an Old English name meaning 'riverbank clearing'. It evolved from earlier forms in the English language and carries connotations of nature and tranquility. The name has no biblical relevance but became popular in the 19th century. Today, it is seen as a distinctive and gentle name, with a few variants and notable individuals bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Orley"
Pronunciation
/ˈɔrli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Orley is derived from the Old English elements 'ora' meaning 'riverbank' and 'leah' meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'riverbank clearing'.
Meaning
riverbank clearing
Language Evolution
Orley (modern form), Orlaeg (Old English), Orlaegas (Old English)
Historical Usage
The name Orley gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in England, as a given name and a surname.
Variants & Derivatives
Orlie, Orla, Orlen
Modern Popularity & Image
Orley is perceived as a unique and gentle name, often associated with nature due to its meaning. It has a modern appeal while retaining a classic touch.
Famous People
Orley Ashenfelter, an American Olympic athlete, Orley Farm, a notable property in New Jersey
📊 Orley Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Orley Name Visualizations
✨ Orley Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 25 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Kansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Orley"
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 "Orley"
"Orley" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2069th of 7545 | 243 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2903rd of 6773 | 125 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5014th of 7552 | 33 |
Regional Popularity of "Orley" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
83.05% 1176th/1416 |
- |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Orley" 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 "Orley"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Orley" 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 "Orley" in the United States
The name Orley is most popular in Kansas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Orley 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, 'Orley' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2069th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2903rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5014th out of 7552 names. Discover how the name 'Orley' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.