What does Bailey mean and where does it come from?
Bailey is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French word 'bailli' meaning bailiff or steward, which referred to an officer of the court. The name has been used for both boys and girls, although it has become predominantly feminine in recent years. Its use as a surname has transitioned in
Cultural significance
Bailey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bailiff, steward.
Peak popularity
Reached #60 in 1998 — currently #172 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bailey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bailey?
Bailey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bailey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bailey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bailey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bailey Claire
French influence · crisp
Bailey Jane
Literary · strong
Bailey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bailey right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #172 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #172 | 1,682 | ▲ up 10 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #182 | 1,648 | ▼ down 20 · -7% births |
| 2021 | #162 | 1,774 | ▲ up 9 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #171 | 1,653 | ▼ down 64 · -42% births |
| 2015 | #107 | 2,844 | ▼ down 29 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #78 | 3,595 | ▲ up 30 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #108 | 2,990 | ▼ down 40 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #68 | 4,648 | ▲ up 28 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #96 | 3,488 | ▲ up 131 · +177% births |
| 1990 | #227 | 1,259 | ▲ up 387 · +309% births |
| 1985 | #614 | 308 | ▲ up 1321 · +460% births |
| 1980 | #1935 | 55 | ▲ up 7176 · +1000% births |
| 1975 | #9111 | 5 | ▼ down 4665 · -17% births |
| 1925 | #4446 | 6 | — |
The story of Bailey
Bailey entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. Its peak popularity was #60 in 1998. More than 123,520 babies have been named Bailey since 1916. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4446 in 1925 to #172 in 2023. Bailey is used for both genders: 83% female and 17% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bailey in 1998:
Bailey by decade
Bailey peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 78 | |
| 1890s | 116 | |
| 1900s | 111 | |
| 1910s | 301 | |
| 1920s | 396 | |
| 1930s | 367 | |
| 1940s | 302 | |
| 1950s | 292 | |
| 1960s | 197 | |
| 1970s | 198 | |
| 1980s | 4,556 | |
| 1990s | 41,541 | |
| 2000s ★ | 43,753 | |
| 2010s | 29,567 | |
| 2020s | 1,745 | |
What are good nicknames for Bailey?
Common
BaiBailBailieBailyIley
What names sound and feel like Bailey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bailey also consider these
Gender variants of Bailey
Common questions about the name Bailey
What does the name Bailey mean?
Bailey means "bailiff, steward" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bailey?
Bailey is currently ranked #172 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bailey?
Bailey originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bailey?
Bailey is a two-syllable name pronounced B EY1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bailey more of a girl or boy name?
Bailey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.