What does Staley mean and where does it come from?
Staley originated as a surname of English origin, primarily used in the United States. The name is derived from a geographical feature, specifically denoting someone who lived near or was from a stony or rocky meadow. It has seen usage as a first name, particularly in the 20th century, but remains r
Cultural significance
Staley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of the surname staley, meaning 'from the stony meadow'.
Peak popularity
Reached #7529 in 1971 — currently #13903 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Staley?
Staley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Staley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Staley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Staley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Staley Claire
French influence · crisp
Staley Jane
Literary · strong
Staley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Staley right now?
Rising fast — up 149 spots — currently #13903 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13903 | 5 | ▲ up 149 |
| 2022 | #14052 | 5 | ▼ down 608 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #13444 | 6 | ▼ down 1537 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #11907 | 8 | ▲ up 4710 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #16617 | 5 | ▼ down 3342 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #13275 | 6 | ▼ down 2416 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #10859 | 5 | ▼ down 2559 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #8300 | 7 | — |
The story of Staley
Staley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 367 total births recorded, Staley remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8300 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13903 in 2023. Staley is used for both genders: 33% female and 67% male.
Names that peaked alongside Staley in 1971:
Staley by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 30 | |
| 1920s | 30 | |
| 1930s | 31 | |
| 1940s | 25 | |
| 1950s | 25 | |
| 1960s | 36 | |
| 1970s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 67 | |
| 2010s ★ | 74 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Staley has only 367 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Staley?
Common
StaStalStalieStalyAley
What names sound and feel like Staley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Staley also consider these
Common questions about the name Staley
What does the name Staley mean?
Staley means "A form of the surname Staley, meaning 'from the stony 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 Staley?
Staley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Staley?
Staley 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 Staley?
Staley is a two-syllable name pronounced S T EY1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Staley a common or rare name?
Staley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.