Rising since 1985, #242 for girls today.
Popularity of Delaney since 1939
Babies named Delaney per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 159 |
| 1980s | 335 |
| 1990s | 7,493 |
| 2000s | 17,086 |
| 2010s | 12,869 |
| 2020s | 7,448 |
Meaning & origin
Delaney first appeared on the U.S. name charts in 1939, but remained rare until the late 20th century. Its trajectory has been rising since 1985, reflecting a broader trend toward Irish surnames as feminine first names. In 2025, Delaney ranked 242nd, with a rate of about 1 in 1,253 girls. Its peak year was 2004, when it reached 102nd place. Popularity has been especially strong in Maine, South Dakota, and Delaware, where Delaney ranked higher than the national average. The name fits a modern, unisex style without being overly trendy.
Delaney is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Dubhshláine, meaning 'descendant of Dubhshláine.' The first element dubh means 'dark' or 'black,' and slán means 'challenge' or 'defiance.' Originally a surname in County Laois, Ireland, it transitioned to a given name in the late 20th century, especially for girls, influenced by similar sounding names like Courtney and the popularity of surnames as first names.
Where Delaney 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: Laney, Dell, Dee
Variants: Delainey
Sibling names for Delaney
Names that share Delaney's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mackenzie, Quinn, Riley, Shay, Morgan, Cassidy, Jade, Dalary, Sheridan, Kennady, Ambrea, Baleria, Cydnie, Danely, Caidance, Camarie, Carmyn, Correna, Delanna, Demarie, Joscelin, Kelbi, Laiken, Lorilei, Mailin, Cagney, Kileen
Brothers: Dylan, Connor, Brady, Logan, Kieran, Nolan, Delano, Delon, Shelton, Devonne, Donavin, Delray, Delvon, Devere, Dupree, Chandon, Damonie, Decorian, Deldrick, Maguire, Quinlin, Danarius, Davelle, Deidrick, Delance, Delando, Dorell, Lennell
Names like Delaney
Names whose popularity has moved with Delaney's over the last 50 years.
