Declining since 2014, #2,006 for boys today.
Popularity of Brentley since 1957
Babies named Brentley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 19 |
| 1960s | 0 | 94 |
| 1970s | 0 | 135 |
| 1980s | 7 | 169 |
| 1990s | 16 | 138 |
| 2000s | 53 | 155 |
| 2010s | 160 | 2,787 |
| 2020s | 68 | 747 |
Meaning & origin
Brentley first appeared on the U.S. baby-name charts in 1957, but it remained obscure for decades. Its popularity peaked in 2014, when it reached its highest rank, though it ranked only around the middle of the list. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, with fewer than 200 births per year in recent years. The name is most popular in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, reflecting a regional preference that may stem from its resemblance to other Southern-favored names like Bentley and Brantley. As a modern coinage, Brentley lacks a deep historical pedigree, but its familiar sound and surname-style ending continue to appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.
Brentley likely arose as a variant of Brentley, itself a habitational surname from places named Brentley, derived from Old English 'brent' (burnt) and 'leah' (clearing, meadow). The name is a modern coinage combining the popular 'Brent' element with the fashionable '-ley' suffix, following the pattern of names like Bentley and Brantley. It has been used for boys in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Where Brentley is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brent, Brenty, Lee
Sibling names for Brentley
Names that share Brentley's style, for a brother or sister.
