What does Berkeley mean and where does it come from?
The name Berkeley is derived from the Old English words 'beorc' meaning birch and 'leah' meaning clearing or meadow, which translates to 'birch wood or meadow'. It became popular as a given name in the United States and can also be associated with the city of Berkeley, California. The name evokes im
Cultural significance
Berkeley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a place of birch trees.
Peak popularity
Reached #1757 in 2017 — currently #2490 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Berkeley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Berkeley?
Berkeley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Berkeley Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Berkeley John
One syllable · timeless choice
Berkeley Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Berkeley Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Berkeley Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Berkeley Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Berkeley right now?
Falling — down 98 spots — currently #2490 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2490 | 71 | ▼ down 98 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #2392 | 76 | ▼ down 120 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #2272 | 81 | ▲ up 47 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #2319 | 80 | ▼ down 200 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #2119 | 89 | ▼ down 226 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #1893 | 100 | ▼ down 12 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #1881 | 108 | ▲ up 570 · +42% births |
| 2010 | #2451 | 76 | ▲ up 913 · +69% births |
| 2005 | #3364 | 45 | ▲ up 1804 · +105% births |
| 2000 | #5168 | 22 | ▲ up 82 · +22% births |
| 1995 | #5250 | 18 | ▲ up 4096 · +125% births |
| 1990 | #9346 | 8 | ▼ down 1684 |
| 1985 | #7662 | 8 | ▼ down 373 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #7289 | 7 | — |
The story of Berkeley
Berkeley entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 2,518 total births recorded, Berkeley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7289 in 1975 to #2272 in 2023. Berkeley is used for both genders: 66% female and 34% male.
Names that peaked alongside Berkeley in 2017:
Berkeley by decade
Berkeley peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 51 | |
| 1920s | 94 | |
| 1930s | 73 | |
| 1940s | 64 | |
| 1950s | 68 | |
| 1960s | 56 | |
| 1970s | 64 | |
| 1980s | 99 | |
| 1990s | 224 | |
| 2000s | 481 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,134 | |
| 2020s | 274 | |
💎With 2,518 total births, Berkeley is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Berkeley?
What names sound and feel like Berkeley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Berkeley also consider these
Common questions about the name Berkeley
What does the name Berkeley mean?
Berkeley means "A place of birch trees" — a name rooted in American 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 Berkeley?
Berkeley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Berkeley?
Berkeley originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Berkeley?
Berkeley pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Berkeley a common or rare name?
Berkeley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.