Parley

“to speak or confer”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 50% boys♀ 50% girls

#11938US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

651All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Parley

PAH·rlee

/ˈpɑ.rliː/ · stress on PAH · 2 syllables

“to speak or confer”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Parley mean and where does it come from?

The name Parley originates from the English term meaning to speak or negotiate. Historically, it was used to describe a conference or discussion, particularly in diplomatic contexts. It has gained modern popularity in the English-speaking world as a first name, though it is more commonly a surname.

Cultural significance

Parley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to speak or confer.

Peak popularity

Reached #677 in 1880 — currently #11938 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Parley?

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

Parley Grace

How popular is Parley right now?

Falling — down 2475 spots — currently #11938 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2022#11938 · Top 8.8%

1915

1920

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1990

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#11938	6	▼ down 2475 · -25% births
2021	#9463	8	▲ up 1056 · +33% births
2020	#10519	6	▼ down 1782 · -25% births
2015	#8737	8	▼ down 1649 · -27% births
2010	#7088	11	▲ up 2039 · +57% births
2005	#9127	7	▼ down 1929 · +17% births
1990	#7198	6	▼ down 4881 · -50% births
1955	#2317	12	▲ up 1035 · +100% births
1950	#3352	6	▲ up 20 · +20% births
1945	#3372	5	▼ down 1176 · -55% births
1940	#2196	11	▲ up 358 · +22% births
1935	#2554	9	▲ up 746 · +29% births
1930	#3300	7	▲ up 209
1920	#3509	7	▼ down 1037 · -30% births
1915	#2472	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Parley

Best Year1940Rank #2196

Peak Count12

Average Rank#5809

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202215 years

The story of Parley

Parley has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 651 total births recorded, Parley remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #677 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11938 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Parley in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Parley by decade

Parley peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	21
1890s	7
1900s	11
1910s ★	126
1920s	77
1930s	71
1940s	50
1950s	36
1970s	5
1980s	19
1990s	51
2000s	72
2010s	99
2020s	6

💎Parley has only 651 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Parley?

Common

ParPaArley

What names sound and feel like Parley?

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

Pailey

English · English

Marley

English · pleasant seaside meadow

Pasley

American · Pale meadow

Pazley

American · A combination of

Hadley

English · Heather field

Paley

French · Pale

Harley

American · From the hares'

Barley

American · barley (the grain)

Common questions about the name Parley

What does the name Parley mean?

Parley means "to speak or confer" — 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 Parley?

Parley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Parley have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Parley?

Parley 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 Parley?

Parley is a two-syllable name pronounced P AA1 R L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Parley trending right now?

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