Bentley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Bentley, which has an occupational meaning referring to someone who worked at a mill or was involved in the production of woolen fabrics. The surname Bentley is believed to have originated in the county of Lancashire in England.
The name Bentley gained popularity as a given name during the mid-20th century and has since been used more frequently for boys than girls, although it can be used for either gender. Some notable individuals with the name Bentley include American actor Bentley Mitchum, the son of legendary film star Robert Mitchum, and British racing driver Adrian Bentley.
Throughout history, there have been various notable people with the surname Bentley who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. For example, Arthur Capel, 1st Baron Belfry, was a prominent English businessman and politician whose family name was Bentley. Additionally, Matthew Bentley is a well-known Australian rules footballer who has played for several professional teams.
In literature, the name Bentley has been used as a character's name in various works of fiction. For instance, it appears in the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, although the character is mentioned only briefly and plays a minor role in the story. Overall, while not extremely common, the name Bentley carries a certain air of sophistication and uniqueness that has made it a popular choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The statistics show that the name Bentley has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past decade in the United States. The highest peak was reached in 2012 with 17 births, while the lowest occurred in 2016 and 2020 with only 5 births each year. Despite this fluctuation, the name still maintains a consistent presence, with at least 5 babies being named Bentley every year since 2010. Overall, there have been a total of 87 babies named Bentley born in the United States between 2010 and 2020 inclusive.