Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bailey

Bailey is the transferred use of a medieval English surname derived from either an occupation name or one of two place names. From an occupational perspective, Bailey developed from the Old French word “baillif” which was used to signify a steward or an administrative official (i.e., a bailiff, an officer of the court). The place name origin comes from the Middle English word “bail(l)y” which indicated one who lived by a fortified town or near the walls of a castle. The other location-based origin comes from the town of Bailey in Lancashire, which gets its name from the Olde English words “bēg” (berry) and “lēah” (wood, clearing). In this case, the surname would have been given to one who hailed from or dwelled near a settlement built in a meadow cleared of berry shrubs. The first recoded spelling of this English surname was rendered as Baylly and appeared in the 13th century. Baylegh and Bayley were also earlier versions of Bailey. It’s not clear when Bailey was adopted as a personal given name. It’s currently a Top 100 name choice for baby boys in England and Australia, but the reverse is true in America where the name is almost exclusively considered female.

All About the Baby Name – Bailey

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME BAILEY

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME BAILEY

The name Bailey is still technically considered unisex in the United States, although it is used with far greater frequency on baby girls compared to boys. In fact, as a boy’s name, Bailey fell off America’s Top 1000 list in 2010 which means it is now only rarely given to the male persuasion. On the other hand, for girls, Bailey is going strong as a Top 100 nationwide pick. On the female naming charts, Bailey made her first appearance in 1978 and by 1995 she was a Top 100 favorite. Her highest point on the charts came in 1998 at position #60. Today Bailey remains a favored choice in names, but it most likely attractive to the laid-back, casual parent. Bailey reminds us of names like Marley and Rylie – they are cutesy, youthful and friendly – definitely not choices for the sophisticated or traditional parent. Bailey is just far too informal. You should also consider the fact that your child Bailey is likely to meet many more dogs with her name in his/her life time than fellow Homo sapiens. Bailey is an extremely common name for our four-legged friends.

Quick Facts

ON BAILEY

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

BAY-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Bailiff

Characteristics

OF BAILEY

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Bailey

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BAILEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Bailey

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BAILEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Bailey


Popular Songs

ON BAILEY

The Ballad of Danny Bailey
a song by Elton John

Famous People

NAMED BAILEY

Bailey Howell (basketball player)
Bailey Chase (actor)
Bailey Howell (basketball player)
Bailey Chase (actor)
Bailey Howell (basketball player)
Bailey Chase (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BAILEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Bailey

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BAILEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Bailey