Foley

“from the muddy place”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1249US 2023

951Births / yr

→Stable

32All-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Foley

FOH·lee

/ˈfoʊ.liː/ · stress on FOH · 2 syllables

“from the muddy place”

Ireland origin · Boy name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Foley right now?

Holding steady — currently #1249 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1249 · Top 0.92%

1920

1955

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Foley

Best Year2023Rank #1249

Peak Count951

Average Rank#2257

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1920 - 20235 years

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:

John Robert William James Charles

Foley by decade

Foley peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

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?

Common

FolFolieFoly

What names sound and feel like Foley?

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

American · From the meadow

Holey

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Coley

American · English

Corley

Ireland · from the hollow

Oley

Russian · holy

Conley

Ireland · A beloved name

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.