Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Presley

Presley is the transferred use of an Anglo-Saxon surname originating as a topographical name for one who lived near a priest’s wood or clearing. The surname’s elements come from the Olde English words “preost” meaning ‘priest’ and “lēah” meaning ‘wood, clearing’. In other words, this surname would have been developed to signify a person who dwelled near property belonging to the Church. The first recorded spelling of the name dates back to the late 12th century in the form of “de Presteleia”. As a forename, Presley has been primarily restricted to the United States in modern times, and typically for baby girls.

All About the Baby Name – Presley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME PRESLEY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME PRESLEY

Presley sporadically showed up on the boy’s charts in the late 1880s / early 1900s, but for the most part, this name is now widely considered female. One might think that Elvis Presley had something to do with the name’s success, but you’d be wrong. There seems to be no clear connection to the King of Rock and Roll. Rather, it appears that Presley’s sudden appearance on the female naming charts has more to do with the hyper-trend that uses surnames as first names. Someone probably liked the name Preston and thought they’d feminize it a bit with Presley. In any case, Presley debuted on the U.S. popularity charts less than 15 years ago in 1998 and quickly advanced a remarkable 700 positions since then. The name is currently on the Top 300 list of most commonly used girl names, which makes it moderately popular – but certainly not overused.

Quick Facts

ON PRESLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

199

PRONUNCIATION:

PRESS-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Priest's wood

Characteristics

OF PRESLEY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Presley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME PRESLEY

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME PRESLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Presley


Popular Songs

ON PRESLEY

Joshua Fit the Battle (Elvis Presley)
This is a song from Elvis's gospel collection.

Elvis Presley
a song by Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer

Elvis Presley and America
a song by U2

Elvis Presley Blues
a song by Gillian Welch

Famous People

NAMED PRESLEY

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Presley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Presley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Presley.

Children of Famous People

NAMED PRESLEY

Cindy Crawford;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME PRESLEY

Elvis Aaron Presley is one of the most famous and iconic persons of modern times. Born to humble beginnings in Mississippi, he catapulted to fame in the 1950s, bringing a fusion of African American music, gospel and country to the fore in a new sound: rock and roll. His first RCA single, “Heartbreak Hotel”, was a number one hit and his first film, Love Me Tender, was a success, and it was roses and lollipops from then on. At first feared by the nation’s church elders and parents for his suggestive hip gyrating while on stage, his 1956 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show put an end to any holding him back, and he skyrocketed to even higher heights. After a stint in the military, Elvis returned to a hugely popular career of recording, performing, making movies, and just being an all around idol. He married Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967 and their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born in 1968. He continued with concerts, recordings and films, but during the 1970s, things began to go downhill. He and Priscilla divorced in 1973, his problems with drugs took an increasing toll on him, and his weight fluctuated alarmingly. Still, his concerts were well attended events, and he was preparing for his latest one when he died of a heart attack on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. Elvis is the best-selling solo artist of popular music ever. To his fans, he is as real to them today as he was during his short lifetime, and millions make the journey to his home in Memphis, Graceland, to pay loving tribute to him.