Smiley Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Smiley originates from the English word for a facial expression of joy, derived from Old English 'smīlan.' It has evolved through Middle English and remains closely tied to its cheerful meaning. The name is seen as representing joy and friendliness, and while it lacks biblical relevance, it has gained modern popularity as a symbol of happiness.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Smiley"
Pronunciation
/ˈsmaɪli/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Smiley is derived from the English word 'smile,' which has roots in the Old English 'smīlan,' meaning to smile or to show pleasure.
Meaning
to smile or one who smiles
Language Evolution
Old English: smīlan, Middle English: smilen, Modern English: smile
Historical Usage
The name Smiley gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, often associated with a cheerful disposition.
Variants & Derivatives
Smile, Smiles, Smileyface
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Smiley is viewed positively, often associated with happiness and friendliness.
Famous People
Smiley Burnette, an American actor and songwriter, Smiley Face, a popular emoticon symbol
📊 Smiley Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Smiley Name Visualizations
✨ Smiley Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 13 peak births in 1926
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Smiley"
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 "Smiley"
"Smiley" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2849th of 7545 | 135 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3184th of 6773 | 104 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3480th of 7552 | 102 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8999th of 10718 | 11 |
Regional Popularity of "Smiley" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
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 "Smiley" 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 "Smiley"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Smiley" 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 "Smiley" in the United States
The name Smiley is most popular in Mississippi, 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. From 2020-2022, Smiley has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Smiley' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2849th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3184th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3480th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8999th out of 10718 names. Discover how the name 'Smiley' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.