Berkley is a name of English origin, derived from the Berkeley family, which can be traced back to the town of Berkeley in Gloucestershire, England. The name Berkeley itself means "birch tree meadow" or "meadow of the birch trees." It is believed that the Berkeley family took their surname from this location.
The first recorded use of the name Berkley as a given name is in the 17th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that it began to be used with any frequency. Today, Berkley is still a relatively uncommon name, but it has been used by several notable figures throughout history.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Berkley is American politician and civil rights leader Robert C. Berkeley, who served in the California State Assembly from 1967 to 1972. Another notable figure is English cricketer Christopher Henry Berkeley, who played for the England national cricket team between 1958 and 1963.
In literature, the name Berkley has been used by several authors as character names. For example, it appears in works by such renowned writers as Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy.
Overall, Berkley is a unique and distinct name with a rich history behind it. While it may not be one of the most common names today, its English origins and meaningful signification make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Berkley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the data provided, there were only five births with the name Berkley each year from 1952 to 1980. However, beginning in 1983, the number of annual births with the name Berkley started to increase steadily.
By 1994, the number of Berkley births reached 28, and it has continued to rise ever since. The year 2022 marked a new high with 340 births, indicating that the name Berkley is now more popular than it has ever been in the United States.
It's interesting to note that there were several peaks in popularity for the name Berkley throughout recent history. In 1987 and 1989, there were 12 births each year, suggesting a brief spike in popularity during those years. Similarly, between 2016 and 2018, there was another notable peak with 229, 281, and 331 births respectively.
Overall, while Berkley may not have been a common name in the mid-20th century, it has since become increasingly popular, with hundreds of babies being named Berkley each year in recent years.