Greely

“Grey meadow” — Associated with grey or greyish-green landscapes

American origin · documented since the 19th century

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#937US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

66All-time births

📅 Since 189400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Greely

GREE·lee

/ˈɡriː.liː/ · stress on GREE · 2 syllables

“Grey meadow”

Associated with grey or greyish-green landscapes · American origin

What does Greely mean and where does it come from?

Originally a surname, Greely has roots in Ireland and the United States. It is derived from the Gaelic 'O’Gríofa,' meaning 'descendant of Gríofa,' which itself can be associated with grey or greyish-green landscapes. The name has been documented since the 19th century, with notable bearers including

Cultural significance

Greely has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grey meadow.

Peak popularity

Reached #1072 in 1894 — currently #937 in the US.

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How else can you spell Greely?

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

Greeley

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Greely?

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

Greely Grace

How popular is Greely right now?

Holding steady — currently #937 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#937 · Top 0.69%

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#937	1,263	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#942	1,243	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#947	1,213	▲ up 3352 · +24160% births
1925	#4299	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Greely

Best Year2023Rank #937

Peak Count1,263

Average Rank#1781

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20234 years

The story of Greely

Greely has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 66 total births recorded, Greely remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4299 in 1925 to #937 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Greely in 1894:

John William James George Charles

Greely by decade

Greely peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	6
1900s	5
1910s	7
1920s ★	30
1930s	13
1940s	5

💎Greely has only 66 total recorded births since 1894 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Greely?

Common

GreGreeGreieGrey

What names sound and feel like Greely?

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

Greeley

American · English

Steely

American · Like steel; strong

Seely

American · blessed, happy

Neely

American · descendant of the

Gregry

American · English

Green

American · The color or

Bevely

American · beaver meadow

Riely

American · courageous

Common questions about the name Greely

What does the name Greely mean?

Greely means "Grey meadow" — 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 Greely?

Greely is currently ranked #937 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 Greely?

Greely 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.

How do you pronounce the name Greely?

Greely is a two-syllable name pronounced G R IY1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Greely a common or rare name?

Greely is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.