Bayleigh is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old Norse male given name Beorhtleic, which means "bright people's ruler." The name has been traditionally used as a male name but in recent years has also become popular for females.
The earliest record of the name Bayleigh can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled "Beorhtleic" and was borne by a person living in Norfolk, England. Over time, the name evolved and became Bayleigh.
Historically, the name Bayleigh has been associated with royalty and nobility. It is believed that the name was brought to England by the Normans during their invasion in 1066 and was used by members of the Norman court. One notable bearer of the name was Beorhtleic II, who was a king of East Anglia in the late 9th century.
Today, Bayleigh is still a popular name in English-speaking countries, with its usage being more common for females than males. Despite its historical association with royalty, the name has a modern and sophisticated sound that appeals to many parents looking for unique names for their children. Overall, Bayleigh is a strong and regal-sounding name with an interesting history and a unique meaning.
The name Bayleigh has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. In 1989, there were only 13 babies named Bayleigh, but by 2022, that number had grown to 127. This represents a nearly tenfold increase in the prevalence of the name.
The peak years for the name Bayleigh were 2012 and 2014, with 271 and 258 births respectively. Interestingly, these years coincided with the release of popular media featuring characters named Bayleigh or similar names, such as the television show "Revenge" which aired from 2011 to 2015.
However, even after reaching its peak popularity, the name Bayleigh has maintained a steady presence in the United States. From 2015 onwards, there have been between 163 and 89 births each year. This suggests that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Bayleigh remains a well-liked choice for parents.
Overall, the statistics demonstrate a clear trend of increasing popularity for the name Bayleigh over time. Despite some fluctuations in recent years, it appears that this trend is likely to continue.