MallowbyNames

Blakely

BLAYK-lee · of uncertain origin; possibly a transferred use of an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'dark wood' or 'clearing'.

2025 rank (girls)
#191
Babies named in 2025
1,638
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 981 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #191 for girls today.

Popularity of Blakely since 1920

Babies named Blakely per year in U.S. Social Security records.

6311.3k1.9k192019602000Most births 2024GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1920s023
1930s05
1940s06
1950s017
1960s566
1970s6094
1980s206242
1990s351282
2000s744198
2010s8,759217
2020s10,67784

Meaning & origin

Blakely first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1969, but its ascent has been dramatic, particularly since 1985. In 2025, the name ranked 191st, with a frequency of 1 in 981 births, and reached its peak popularity in 2024. Blakely has a modern, surname-as-first-name feel that appeals to parents seeking a stylish yet grounded choice, especially in states like Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota where it has seen the strongest uptake.

Blakely originated as an English surname from various places named Blakely or Blackley, meaning 'dark wood' or 'clearing' (Old English blæc 'black' + lēah 'wood, clearing'). As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, following the trend of using surnames as first names for girls.

Where Blakely 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Blake, Blaire

Variants: Blakely, Blakeley, Blakelynn, Blaikley

Sibling names for Blakely

Names that share Blakely's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Blakely

Names whose popularity has moved with Blakely's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Blakely, our favorite little girl.

B is for Blakely…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Blakely's letter becomes Blakely's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Blakely's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Blakely mean?
Blakely is of English origin, derived from a surname meaning 'dark wood' or 'clearing.'
How popular is the name Blakely?
In 2025, Blakely ranked 191st among girls' names in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 981 girls given the name.
Is Blakely a boy or girl name?
Blakely is almost exclusively used for girls, though it has some history as a surname for all genders.