Declining since 2022, #3,167 for girls today.
Popularity of Linley since 1952
Babies named Linley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 19 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 139 |
| 1990s | 105 |
| 2000s | 241 |
| 2010s | 702 |
| 2020s | 421 |
Meaning & origin
Linley is a rare given name, derived from an English surname and place name. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1952, but remained very uncommon for decades. Its peak popularity came in 2021, when it reached its highest recorded usage. Since 2022, its use has been falling. With a rank of 3167 in 2025 and an incidence of 1 in 32145 births, Linley is an unusual choice. It has seen the most use in Mississippi and Georgia, reflecting a pattern of occasional usage in the southern United States. The name's soft, feminine ending and similarity to more popular names like Kinley and Hadley may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive but accessible name.
Linley originated as an English surname, typically habitational from places named Linley in Shropshire and elsewhere. The place names derive from Old English 'lin' meaning 'flax' or 'lind' meaning 'lime tree' (linden) combined with 'leah' meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'. As a given name, its use is modern and uncommon, often chosen for its soft sound and similarity to names like Lindsey or Lynn.
Where Linley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Linnie, Lee
Sibling names for Linley
Names that share Linley's style, for a brother or sister.
