Rising since 1987, #887 for girls today.
Popularity of Berkley since 1891
Babies named Berkley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 | 15 |
| 1910s | 0 | 155 |
| 1920s | 0 | 231 |
| 1930s | 0 | 224 |
| 1940s | 0 | 165 |
| 1950s | 5 | 174 |
| 1960s | 0 | 123 |
| 1970s | 18 | 99 |
| 1980s | 83 | 72 |
| 1990s | 240 | 110 |
| 2000s | 874 | 191 |
| 2010s | 2,330 | 418 |
| 2020s | 1,960 | 220 |
Meaning & origin
Berkley is a place-name turned given name, sharing roots with the more common Berkeley. Its usage in the United States dates back to 1952, but it saw a notable surge in the 21st century, peaking in 2021 at its highest rank. Over the past several decades, Berkley has been on a rising trajectory since 1987, particularly favored in states like North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. The name's soft sound and unisex appeal have contributed to its steady climb, though it remains relatively uncommon, with a current ranking of 887. Its variant spellings, such as Berkley, Berkleigh, and Berkly, offer flexibility for parents seeking a name that feels both classic and modern.
Berkley is a variant of Berkeley, an English surname and place name derived from Old English beorc 'birch' and leah 'clearing, meadow'. The name originally referred to a settlement in Gloucestershire, England. As a given name, it has been in use since at least the 20th century, with a notable rise in popularity for girls in the United States from the 2000s onward.
Where Berkley 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Berk, Lee
Sibling names for Berkley
Names that share Berkley's style, for a brother or sister.
