Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Parley since 1880
Babies named Parley per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Parley's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 |
| 1890s | 7 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 126 |
| 1920s | 77 |
| 1930s | 71 |
| 1940s | 50 |
| 1950s | 36 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 19 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 72 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Parley is a rare given name with roots in 19th-century America. It first appeared in the U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 6,143 that same year, with a usage frequency of 1 in 122,005 births in 2025. The name's trajectory has been stable but exceedingly uncommon. Historically, Parley was most associated with the state of Utah, likely due to the influence of Parley P. Pratt, a prominent figure in the Latter-day Saint movement. As a result, the name has a strong regional and cultural tie to the Mormon pioneer era. Despite its rarity, Parley has persisted as a distinctive choice, often seen as a variant of the more familiar Pearly or as a surname-turned-first-name. Its lack of widespread popularity contributes to its unique character.
The name Parley is of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Pearly, a diminutive of Pearl, or derive from the English surname Parley, which is locational from places in Somerset and Devon. The name was recorded in the United States in the 19th century, particularly in Utah, possibly reflecting Latter-day Saint usage as a given name honoring early church leader Parley P. Pratt.
Where Parley is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Par
Sibling names for Parley
Names that share Parley's style, for a brother or sister.
