Berkley

“Birch wood or meadow” — Associated with several places

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 34% boys♀ 66% girls

#837US 2023

327Births / yr

↓Falling

5.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 195200.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Berkley

BER·klee

/ˈbɝ.kliː/ · stress on BER · 2 syllables

“Birch wood or meadow”

Associated with several places · English origin

What does Berkley mean and where does it come from?

Berkley is a name derived from the Old English place name 'Bercleah', meaning 'birch wood'. It is associated with several places, notably Berkeley in California, which is named after the Irish bishop and philosopher George Berkeley. The name gained popularity in the United States and can be used as

Cultural significance

Berkley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of birch wood or meadow.

Peak popularity

Reached #819 in 2020 — currently #837 in the US.

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How else can you spell Berkley?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Berkley?

Berkley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Berkley Grace

How popular is Berkley right now?

Declining — down 15 spots — currently #837 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#837 · Top 0.62%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#837	327	▼ down 15 · -4% births
2022	#822	340	▼ down 24 · -4% births
2021	#798	354	▲ up 21 · +7% births
2020	#819	330	▲ up 264 · +36% births
2015	#1083	242	▲ up 161 · +25% births
2010	#1244	193	▲ up 1165 · +164% births
2005	#2409	73	▲ up 1191 · +103% births
2000	#3600	36	▲ up 383 · +38% births
1995	#3983	26	▲ up 4567 · +189% births
1990	#8550	9	▼ down 154 · +29% births
1985	#8396	7	▲ up 2112 · +40% births
1980	#10508	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Berkley

Best Year2021Rank #798

Peak Count354

Average Rank#3587

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Berkley

Berkley entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 5,909 total births recorded, Berkley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10508 in 1980 to #837 in 2023. Berkley is used for both genders: 66% female and 34% male.

Names that peaked alongside Berkley in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Berkley by decade

Berkley peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1900s	15
1910s	155
1920s	231
1930s	224
1940s	165
1950s	179
1960s	123
1970s	117
1980s	155
1990s	350
2000s	1,065
2010s ★	2,745
2020s	380

💎With 5,909 total births, Berkley is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Berkley?

Common

BerBeErkley

What names sound and feel like Berkley?

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

Berley

American · Derived from Old

Berhley

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Benley

English · Bent grass meadow

Berkey

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Beckley

American · bee meadow

Benkley

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bentley

American · Bent grass clearing

Fernley

English · meadow far away;

Common questions about the name Berkley

What does the name Berkley mean?

Berkley means "Birch wood or meadow" — 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 Berkley?

Berkley is currently ranked #837 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Berkley have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Berkley?

Berkley 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 Berkley?

Berkley is a two-syllable name pronounced B ER1 K L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Berkley trending right now?

Berkley is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.