Bailey Name Origin
Bailey started as an English last name. It comes from the Old French word "baili," meaning a bailiff or a steward. These were people who worked for a lord or managed a town.
Over time, Bailey became a first name too. People liked it because it sounded friendly and easy to say. Now, it’s used for boys and girls in English-speaking countries.
- Type: First Name
- Gender: Unisex
- Pronunciation: BAY-lee
Bailey Meaning
Bailey is a name that comes from an old English word meaning "bailiff" or "steward." It was originally a job title for someone who managed land or property.
The name also relates to a part of a castle called a "bailey," which is the outer wall or courtyard. This gives the name a strong, protective feeling.
Bailey can be used for boys or girls, making it a popular unisex name today. It sounds friendly and modern.
People often think of Bailey as a name that shows responsibility and trust because of its connection to caretaking roles. It’s also linked to safety because of the castle meaning.
Overall, Bailey is a name with roots in old jobs and castles, carrying ideas of protection and care.
History
Bailey started as an English last name a long time ago. It came from a word meaning "bailiff," which was a kind of official or helper in a town.
People began using Bailey as a first name in the 19th century. At first, it was mostly a boy's name. Over time, it became popular for girls too.
In the United States, Bailey grew in popularity during the late 1900s. It was especially common in the 1990s and early 2000s. Other English-speaking countries like Canada and Australia also liked the name.
Today, Bailey is seen as a friendly and modern name. It’s used for both boys and girls, showing how names can change with time and culture.
Famous People
Bailey May is a singer and actor from the Philippines. He became popular as a member of the boy band Now United. Bailey has a big fanbase because of his music and acting skills.
Bailey Jay is a well-known adult film actress and podcaster. She is also an advocate for transgender rights. Bailey uses her platform to talk about important social issues.
Bailey Chase is an American actor. He has appeared in TV shows like "Saving Grace" and "Longmire." People like him for his strong and serious roles.
Bailey Hanks is an actress and singer. She won a reality show called "Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods." Bailey then performed on Broadway in the lead role.
Name Trends
This chart shows how many babies were given the name Bailey each year, based on data from the U.S. Government's Social Security Administration (SSA). It's a fun way to see how the name's popularity has changed over time!
The blue line shows how many boys were named Bailey, while the pink line shows how many girls were given the same name.
If the lines go up, that means more babies got the name that year. If they go down, the name was used less. You can spot trends, like when the name became really popular or started to fade.