What does Foley mean and where does it come from?
Foley is an anglicized form of the Irish surname 'Ó Foghladha'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a muddy or swampy area. The name is common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora in the United States. It has been in use since at least the 17th century. Famous individuals with this s
Cultural significance
Foley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the muddy place.
Peak popularity
Reached #3504 in 1922 — currently #1249 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Foley?
Foley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Foley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Foley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Foley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Foley Claire
French influence · crisp
Foley Jane
Literary · strong
Foley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Foley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1249 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1249 | 951 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1254 | 931 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1259 | 901 | ▲ up 2485 · +14917% births |
| 1955 | #3744 | 6 | ▲ up 33 · -14% births |
| 1920 | #3777 | 7 | — |
The story of Foley
Foley entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 32 total births recorded, Foley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3777 in 1920 to #1249 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Foley in 1922:
Foley by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s ★ | 15 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
💎Foley has only 32 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Foley?
What names sound and feel like Foley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Foley also consider these
Common questions about the name Foley
What does the name Foley mean?
Foley means "from the muddy place" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Foley?
Foley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Foley?
Foley originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Foley?
Foley is a two-syllable name pronounced F OW1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Foley a common or rare name?
Foley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.