Holding steady.
Popularity of Audley since 1891
Babies named Audley per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Audley's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 15 |
| 1910s | 106 |
| 1920s | 162 |
| 1930s | 112 |
| 1940s | 82 |
| 1950s | 58 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 29 |
| 1980s | 54 |
| 1990s | 29 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Audley is a surname-turned-first-name with deep English roots meaning 'old meadow'. Though its recorded use in the United States dates to 1891, it reached its highest rank in 1894, appearing just 5 times that year according to SSA data. Since then, its usage has remained stable but extremely occasional, never breaking into widespread popularity. In 2025, the name was given to fewer than 5 babies, placing it well outside any quantifiable rank. Its rarity gives it a distinctly vintage, aristocratic feel, reminiscent of the Staffordshire locale from which it originated. Parents drawn to Audley appreciate its understated history and the subtle connection to English countryside heritage.
Audley is an English surname transferred to given name use, derived from a place name in Staffordshire. The place name itself comes from Old English elements "Ealdgȳð" (a personal name) or "eald" (old) combined with "lēah" (clearing, meadow), hence 'old meadow' or 'Ealdgȳð's clearing'. It has seen occasional use as a first name since the 19th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and among the English-speaking diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aud
Variants: Audley
Sibling names for Audley
Names that share Audley's style, for a brother or sister.
