Rising since 2010, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Soley since 2000
Babies named Soley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 59 |
| 2010s | 80 |
| 2020s | 71 |
Meaning & origin
Soley, an Icelandic name meaning 'sun,' has seen a gradual rise in American popularity since its first recorded U.S. usage in 2000. As of 2025, it ranked 6,838, with a frequency of 1 in 100,454, and is experiencing an upward trajectory that began in the 2010s. The name's peak year so far is 2025, and it has been most popular in California. Soley fits a broader trend of nature-themed and Nordic-inspired names, offering a soft yet striking sound that feels both distinctive and accessible. Its etymology ties directly to the sun, a common source of warmth and light in many cultures, giving the name a positive and luminous feel.
Soley is an Icelandic feminine name derived from the Old Norse elements sól (sun) and ey (island), meaning 'sun island' or simply 'sun'. It has been used in Iceland since at least the early 20th century and remains a popular choice there. The name gained modest usage in the United States after 2000, likely through cultural exchange and appreciation of Nordic names.
Where Soley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sól, Ley
Variants: Sól, Sóley
Sibling names for Soley
Names that share Soley's style, for a brother or sister.
