What does Barclay mean and where does it come from?
Barclay is of Scottish origin, historically used as a surname. The name has seen a rise in popularity as a given name for girls in contemporary settings. Notable people include Barclay James Harvest, a British rock band, and various historical figures bearing the surname.
Cultural significance
Barclay has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #5140 in 1969 — currently #794 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Barclay?
Barclay works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Barclay Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Barclay Rose
Floral · soft ending
Barclay Mae
Sweet · timeless
Barclay Claire
French influence · crisp
Barclay Jane
Literary · strong
Barclay Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Barclay right now?
Holding steady — currently #794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #794 | 1,406 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #799 | 1,386 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #804 | 1,356 | ▲ up 7387 · +27020% births |
| 1970 | #8191 | 5 | — |
The story of Barclay
Barclay is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 972 total births recorded, Barclay remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8191 in 1970 to #794 in 2023. Barclay is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Barclay in 1969:
Barclay by decade
Barclay peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 52 | |
| 1920s | 59 | |
| 1930s | 99 | |
| 1940s | 121 | |
| 1950s | 131 | |
| 1960s | 124 | |
| 1970s ★ | 162 | |
| 1980s | 115 | |
| 1990s | 71 | |
| 2000s | 22 | |
| 2010s | 16 | |
💎Barclay has only 972 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Barclay?
What names sound and feel like Barclay?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barclay also consider these
How is Barclay written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Barclay
What does the name Barclay mean?
Barclay means "English" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Barclay?
Barclay is currently ranked #794 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 Barclay?
Barclay originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Barclay?
Barclay is a two-syllable name pronounced B AA1 R K L EY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Barclay more of a girl or boy name?
Barclay is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.