Somaly

“Butterfly” — Symbolizes beauty and grace

Khmer origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1623US 2023

577Births / yr

→Stable

75All-time births

📅 Since 198300

How to pronounce Somaly

SAH·MAY·lee

/ˈsɑ.ˈmeɪ.liː/ · stress on SAH · 3 syllables

“Butterfly”

Symbolizes beauty and grace · Khmer origin

What does Somaly mean and where does it come from?

Somaly (សុមាលី) is of Khmer origin, used predominantly in Cambodia. The name symbolizes beauty and grace, akin to a butterfly. It has cultural significance, often associated with feminine qualities. Notable people with this name include Somaly Mam, a well-known anti-trafficking activist and author f

Cultural significance

Somaly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Khmer-speaking communities, where it reflects values of butterfly.

Peak popularity

Reached #5741 in 1986 — currently #1623 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Somaly?

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

Somaly Grace

How popular is Somaly right now?

Holding steady — currently #1623 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1623 · Top 1.2%

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1623	577	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1628	557	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1633	527	▲ up 12658 · +10440% births
1990	#14291	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Somaly

Best Year2023Rank #1623

Peak Count577

Average Rank#4794

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1990 - 20234 years

The story of Somaly

Somaly is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 75 total births recorded, Somaly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14291 in 1990 to #1623 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Somaly in 1986:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Jennifer Sarah

💎Somaly has only 75 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Somaly?

Common

SomSomieSomyOmaly

What names sound and feel like Somaly?

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

Yomaly

American · Day

Coraly

English · A variant of

Hebrew · Joyful or to

Odaly

American · wealthy; fortunate

Joaly

American · God will increase

Common questions about the name Somaly

What does the name Somaly mean?

Somaly means "Butterfly" — a name rooted in Khmer 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 Somaly?

Somaly is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Somaly?

Somaly originates from Khmer tradition. Khmer 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 Somaly?

Somaly is a three-syllable name pronounced S AA1 M EY1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Somaly?

Somaly pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Khmer heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.