Bailey

Pronunciation: [ b-AYL-ee ]

Boy Name #1,270 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The name of stewards and George Bailey — warm, steadfast, all-American

English American Scottish

Vintage Playful Classic Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"outer wall of a castle (bailey)"

Origin: Old French

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

More commonly used for girls in recent years, may cause gender confusion for boys

The Story of Bailey

Bailey derives from the Old French 'baillif,' a medieval term for a steward or administrative officer who managed a lord's estate — someone responsible for overseeing others and maintaining order. The term entered English through the Norman Conquest and became a common occupational surname. Like many English occupational surnames (Cooper, Fletcher, Mason), it transitioned into a given name by the 20th century.

Bailey as a boys' name was popular in the American South and West through the 1990s, but has gradually shifted toward primarily female usage in the US, following the pattern of names like Ashley, Lindsay, and Kelly. For boys, it peaked around 1993-1998. It remains more balanced (or even male-leaning) in Scotland and parts of Australia.

In America, Bailey evokes a friendly, Southern charm — the kind of name heard at rodeos and county fairs. George Bailey, the beloved protagonist of It's a Wonderful Life, gave the name its most enduring cultural imprint: selfless, hardworking, the heart of the community.

Fun Facts

George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life (1946), is one of cinema's most beloved characters
Bailey was in the top 50 boys' names in the US in the mid-1990s
In Scotland, Bailey remains predominantly a boys' name, unlike in the US

Bailey in Other Languages

French Bailey

English Bailey

Scottish Bailey

Famous People Named Bailey

Bill Bailey

Entertainer

1964

British comedian and musician known for his surreal, musical comedy

George Bailey Fictional

Other

Protagonist of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946), played by Jimmy Stewart — kind, selfless family man saved by ...

Protagonist of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946), played by Jimmy Stewart — kind, selfless family man saved by angel Clarence

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,270
Total SSA Count: 155
Cultural Origins: English American Scottish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Bay

Pairs Well With

Bailey James Bailey Ray Bailey Lee Bailey Scott Bailey Joseph Bailey Anthony Bailey Thomas

Sibling Names

Riley Hadley Finley Parker Taylor Jordan Casey

Also a Girl Name

Bailey is also used as a girl name, ranked #182.

View Bailey as a girl name →

Similar Names

Valley Miley Haley Halley Avalee Bailey Raleigh Mylie

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bailey

What does the name Bailey mean?

"outer wall of a castle (bailey)" (from Old French). Bailey derives from the Old French 'baillif,' a medieval term for a steward or administrative officer who managed a lord's estate — someone responsible for overseeing others and maintaining order. The term entered English through the Norman Conquest and became a common occupational surname. Like many English occupational surnames (Cooper, Fletcher, Mason), it transitioned into a given name by the 20th century.

What is the origin of the name Bailey?

Bailey has Old French, English, American, and Scottish origins. In Old French, it means "outer wall of a castle (bailey)".

Is Bailey a boy or girl name?

Bailey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1270. As a girl name, it is ranked #182. Bailey is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Bailey?

Bailey is pronounced b-AYL-ee.

How popular is the name Bailey?

Bailey is currently ranked #1270 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Bailey?

Common nicknames for Bailey include Bay.

What are good middle names for Bailey?

Popular middle name pairings include Bailey James, Bailey Ray, Bailey Lee, Bailey Scott, Bailey Joseph, Bailey Anthony, and Bailey Thomas.

What are good sibling names for Bailey?

Names that pair well with Bailey as siblings include Riley, Hadley, Finley, Parker, Taylor, Jordan, and Casey.

How many syllables does Bailey have?

Bailey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Bailey a common or rare name?

Bailey is an uncommon name, ranked #1270 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Bailey

Bailey is a boy name with English, American, and Scottish origins . The name means "outer wall of a castle (bailey)" in Old French .

Is Bailey a boy or girl name? Bailey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,270 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #182. Bailey is more commonly used as a girl name.

Bailey is currently ranked #1,270 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Bailey has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AYL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Bailey include Bay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.