Declining since 2017, #2,719 for girls today.
Popularity of Tinley since 2002
Babies named Tinley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 189 |
| 2010s | 2,710 |
| 2020s | 764 |
Meaning & origin
Tinley is a modern American name that first appeared in official records in 2002. It reached its peak rank of 2,719 in 2016, with about 1 in 25,512 babies receiving the name that year. Since 2017, its usage has been declining, reflecting a broader shift away from some of the more trendy -ley suffixed names. Tinley is most popular in Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas. The name's origin is uncertain; it may be a variant of the surname Tinsley or a modern coinage inspired by similar-sounding names. While not deeply rooted in history, Tinley fits a pattern of innovative, surname-inspired names that appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar sound.
Tinley first appeared as a given name in the United States around 2002, likely derived from the English surname Tinley, which itself originates from a place name meaning 'Tynne's meadow.' The name gained modest popularity in the 2010s, possibly influenced by the fashionable -ley suffix found in names like Kinsley and Finley.
Where Tinley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tin, Tinnie, Lee
Sibling names for Tinley
Names that share Tinley's style, for a brother or sister.
