Rising since 1989, #156 for girls today.
Popularity of Oakley since 1884
Babies named Oakley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 22 |
| 1890s | 0 | 67 |
| 1900s | 0 | 74 |
| 1910s | 27 | 337 |
| 1920s | 35 | 394 |
| 1930s | 0 | 244 |
| 1940s | 0 | 179 |
| 1950s | 0 | 134 |
| 1960s | 0 | 83 |
| 1970s | 0 | 64 |
| 1980s | 11 | 80 |
| 1990s | 124 | 264 |
| 2000s | 464 | 684 |
| 2010s | 4,472 | 4,180 |
| 2020s | 10,227 | 4,579 |
Meaning & origin
Oakley first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1913, though it remained relatively uncommon for decades. Its trajectory shifted in 1989, when it began a sustained rise in usage. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 156, with about 1 in every 831 newborns receiving the name. The name is most popular in Wyoming, West Virginia, and Idaho, reflecting a preference for nature-inspired names in rural and outdoor-oriented states. Oakley's appeal spans both genders, fitting comfortably alongside other surname-as-first-name choices like Sutton and Collins.
Oakley originated as an English locative surname for someone dwelling near an oak wood or clearing, from Old English 'ac' (oak) and 'leah' (wood, clearing). As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th century, used for both boys and girls. Its popularity has risen significantly since the late 1980s, influenced by the nature-name trend and cultural figures like sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Where Oakley 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.
“Oakley” around the world
Where Oakley lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#61
in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Oak, Lee, Oakie
Sibling names for Oakley
Names that share Oakley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Juniper, Sutton, Collins, Wren, Magnolia, Braylee, Everly, Franki, Lainey, Addilynn, Atley, Finlee, Kaisley, Kinzlee, Maelee, Wednesday, Arbor, Arleigh, Asley, Hollye, Kollins, Riverlynn, Trellis, Daily, Enzley, Evaleigh, Greenly, Hazlee, Wyllow, Yardley, Addilyne, Greidy, Jovee, Mahogony, Riplee, Riverlee, Summerrose, Timberlynn
Brothers: Sawyer, Finn, Archer, Griffin, Hudson, Colter, Easton, Jaxon, Kayce, Maverick, Stetson, Alder, Ash, Braxtyn, Cashton, Elder, Blayden, Bracken, Brentlee, Brylen, Rawley, Thorne, Braxson, Woodley, Greysyn, Memphys
Names like Oakley
Names whose popularity has moved with Oakley's over the last 50 years.
