"outer wall of a castle (bailey)"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Bailey
Pronunciation: [ b-AYL-ee ]
Does Bailey flow with your last name?
The name of stewards and George Bailey — warm, steadfast, all-American
English
American
Scottish
Vintage
Playful
Classic
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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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.
Historical Record
Bailey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 19,944 babies have been named Bailey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bailey is past its peak , currently ranked #1,270 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,270
Current Rank
Peaked 1997
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Bailey with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bailey
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Bailey is also used as a girl name, ranked #182.
View Bailey as a girl name →Similar Names
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis