Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Delaney

The name Delaney is a very recent transferred use of a surname originating out of England but with French (Norman) roots. There is a place name in Normandy called Aunou-sur-Orne, and a person from this location would be “de Annou” which dialectally would develop into Delaney in England after the Norman Conquest. Annou itself was derived from the Old French “aunaie” meaning ‘alder grove.’ The alder is a flowering plant from the birch family. The ancient Celtic people believed the alder had sacred giving and nurturing qualities, mainly due to its root system which provided rich nutrients back into the soil thus restoring poor ground conditions. The alder’s root system can also be submerged in watery areas, so the Celts believed their roots provided shelter to fish and their decomposed leaves in the water gave rich nutrients to all water creatures. The alder wood was used by the Celtic people for crafting of musical instruments as well as an effective source of charcoal fuel. Lastly, the Celtic people believed that the alder possessed a secret, sacred flame within itself. Much revered was this plant to the ancient Celts – filled with sacred, hidden powers and a giving, restorative nature.

All About the Baby Name – Delaney

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME DELANEY

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME DELANEY

The given name Delaney is apparently used for both males and females, although it’s never made the Top 1000 list of most commonly used boy names (thus rendering it rare at best). The name is really considered female and very modern. While the surname dates back to Old England, Delaney just developed as a given name in the United States in 1991. This makes Delaney one of the newer inventions in America. The name was likely generated out of the inclination of American parents to use surnames as forenames. The naming charts are riddled with them. Delaney has done pretty well despite her recent introduction onto the charts. The name reached its peak in 2004 at position #169. It’s no longer on the Top 200 list today but it’s hanging in there pretty well. We like the connection to the alder tree in terms of its etymology. It gives the name an interesting spin.

Quick Facts

ON DELANEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

249

PRONUNCIATION:

dә-LAY-nee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Alder grove, giving and nurturing

Characteristics

OF DELANEY

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Delaney

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DELANEY

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DELANEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Delaney


Popular Songs

ON DELANEY

The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
a song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson

Year That Clayton Delaney Died
a song by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

Miss Delaney
a song by Jack's Mannequin

Delaney Talks to Statues
a song by Jimmy Buffett

Delaney
a song by Alpha

Famous People

NAMED DELANEY

Delaney Williams (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DELANEY

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DELANEY

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