Whitley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'hwyte', which means 'white'. The name was originally used as a surname, but it has since been adopted as a given name for both boys and girls.
The name Whitley is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was likely used to describe someone who had fair or white hair, or perhaps lived in a white house or near a white landmark. The name may also have been associated with the color white itself, which was often symbolic of purity and innocence.
Over time, the surname Whitley became more common, and it eventually began to be used as a given name as well. Today, Whitley is still relatively rare, but it is gaining popularity as parents seek out unique and meaningful names for their children.
Overall, Whitley is a charming and distinctive name with a rich history and a beautiful meaning. Whether you're considering the name for yourself or your child, it's worth noting that Whitley is a name that stands out from the crowd while still having deep roots in English history.
The name Whitley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting with only 6 births in 1984, the number of babies named Whitley began to rise steadily throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a peak of 508 births in 1988.
However, after this high point, the popularity of the name Whitley started to decline. Between 1993 and 2006, there were fewer than 100 babies named Whitley each year. This period marked a significant decrease in the name's popularity compared to its peak in the late 80s.
Despite this drop in popularity, the name Whitley has seen a resurgence since then. In 2009, there were 106 births of girls named Whitley, and this number continued to increase steadily over the next decade. In 2023, there were an impressive 383 babies named Whitley, marking a significant comeback for this name.
Overall, since 1984, there have been a total of 7,310 births of girls named Whitley in the United States. This data illustrates how trends in baby names can fluctuate over time and can be influenced by various factors such as cultural shifts, popular media, and personal preferences.