Declining since 1998, #208 for girls today.
Popularity of Bailey since 1880
Babies named Bailey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 78 |
| 1890s | 0 | 116 |
| 1900s | 0 | 111 |
| 1910s | 6 | 295 |
| 1920s | 6 | 390 |
| 1930s | 0 | 367 |
| 1940s | 0 | 301 |
| 1950s | 5 | 287 |
| 1960s | 0 | 197 |
| 1970s | 28 | 169 |
| 1980s | 4,082 | 477 |
| 1990s | 31,621 | 9,926 |
| 2000s | 36,881 | 6,892 |
| 2010s | 28,302 | 1,357 |
| 2020s | 9,875 | 775 |
Meaning & origin
Bailey entered the U.S. baby name scene in 1916 and saw a surge in the late 20th century. It peaked in 1998 as a popular choice for girls, ranking among the top 50. Since then, its popularity has been steadily declining, falling to rank 208 in 2025. At its peak, roughly 1 in every 500 baby girls were named Bailey; currently, about 1 in 1,112 receive the name. The name is most common in Vermont, Alaska, and New Hampshire. Bailey's journey from a surname associated with a medieval official or a pastoral meadow to a modern given name reflects broader naming trends of adopting surnames and gender-neutral styles.
Bailey is an English surname transferred to first name use. It derives from Old French 'bailli' meaning 'bailiff' or 'steward', brought to England after the Norman Conquest. Alternatively, it may originate from a place name meaning 'berry meadow' from Old English 'berie' (berry) and 'leah' (clearing). As a given name, Bailey gained popularity in the late 20th century, initially for boys but increasingly for girls since the 1990s.
Where Bailey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bailey” around the world
Where Bailey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
20
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bay, Bails, Lee
Sibling names for Bailey
Names that share Bailey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Avery, Harper, Riley, Peyton, Morgan, Harley, Jordyn, Andi, Brookelyn, Kiley, Reilly, Acelynn, Cailee, Colbie, Jaycie, Kaytlynn, Kelsee, Alixandria, Analyse, Casi, Cassidie, Cayley, Chelcie, Cookie, Jasline, Kasidy, Kassey, Keeli, Kerigan, Kortni, Mailey, Mykenzie, Rhiley, Sheily, Tailynn, Talley, Berklie, Cacey, Cailie, Cassidee, Cassity, Chancie, Hailea, Kassidie, Kilie, Kindal, Rayley, Shayleigh, Cassadie, Brylyn, Catlynn, Katelee, Kaysey, Kelsye, Kimmi, Lyndzie, Makelle
Brothers: Carter, Logan, Brady, Tyler, Cameron, Chandler, Landyn, Brison, Treyson, Farley, Kinnick, Branon, Coleby, Jonathyn, Carrson, Ayiden, Bailor, Garison, Sheriff
Names like Bailey
Names whose popularity has moved with Bailey's over the last 50 years.
