What does Dailey mean and where does it come from?
Dailey is derived from the Irish surname Ó Dálaigh which means 'descendant of Dálach', where Dálach means 'valley'. The name has been used as both a first name and surname in the United States, and has gained popularity in the modern era. Its first recorded usage as a given name appears to have been
Cultural significance
Dailey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of valley.
Peak popularity
Reached #6882 in 2020 — currently #7216 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dailey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dailey?
Dailey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dailey Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dailey John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dailey Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dailey Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Dailey Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Dailey Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dailey right now?
Rising fast — up 1855 spots — currently #7216 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7216 | 15 | ▲ up 1855 · +36% births |
| 2024 | #9071 | 11 | ▼ down 7847 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1224 | 976 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1229 | 956 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1234 | 926 | ▲ up 5648 · +5688% births |
| 2020 | #6882 | 16 | ▲ up 9629 · +220% births |
| 2015 | #16511 | 5 | ▲ up 570 |
| 2010 | #17081 | 5 | ▼ down 6097 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #10984 | 9 | ▼ down 2913 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #8071 | 12 | ▲ up 5454 · +140% births |
| 1995 | #13525 | 5 | — |
The story of Dailey
Dailey is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1994. With 331 total births recorded, Dailey remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13525 in 1995 to #1224 in 2023. Dailey is used for both genders: 69% female and 31% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dailey in 2020:
Dailey by decade
Dailey peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 18 | |
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 1930s | 25 | |
| 1940s | 15 | |
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1990s | 29 | |
| 2000s | 95 | |
| 2010s ★ | 104 | |
| 2020s | 42 | |
💎Dailey has only 331 total recorded births since 1994 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dailey?
Common
DaiDailDailieDailyIley
What names sound and feel like Dailey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dailey also consider these
Common questions about the name Dailey
What does the name Dailey mean?
Dailey means "valley" — 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 Dailey?
Dailey is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Dailey?
Dailey 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.
Is Dailey a common or rare name?
Dailey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Dailey more of a girl or boy name?
Dailey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.