Barclay

“Barclay is of Scottish origin, historically used as a surname”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#794US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

972All-time births

📅 Since 196900

How to pronounce Barclay

BAH·rklay

/ˈbɑ.ˌrkleɪ/ · stress on BAH · 2 syllables

“Barclay is of Scottish origin, historically used as a surname”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Barclay right now?

Holding steady — currently #794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#794 · Top 0.59%

1970

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Barclay

Best Year2023Rank #794

Peak Count1,406

Average Rank#2647

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1970 - 20234 years

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:

Lisa Michelle Jennifer Kimberly Melissa

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?

Common

BarBaArclay

What names sound and feel like Barclay?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barclay also consider these

Barklay

Arabic · A Arabic name

Maclay

Scotland · Gaelic

Baylay

Arabic · A Arabic name

Barcley

Arabic · A Arabic name

Barbla

Arabic · A Arabic name

Farlay

Arabic · A Arabic name

Harlay

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Marlay

American · Derived from a

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.