The name Brinley is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "bryn" meaning "burn" or "stream" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow." It was originally a surname given to those who lived near a small stream or brook in a woodland area.

The earliest recorded use of Brinley as a given name dates back to the late 16th century in England. One of the first known individuals with this first name was Sir Thomas Brinley, an English politician and Member of Parliament who lived from 1580 to 1653.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Brinley was primarily used as a masculine name among the English gentry and aristocracy. Notable bearers of the name during this time include Sir Francis Brinley (1632-1697), an English merchant and philanthropist, and Robert Brinley Sheridan (1751-1816), an Irish satirist, playwright, and politician.

In the 19th century, the name Brinley gained popularity as a feminine name, particularly in the United States. One of the earliest recorded examples of a woman named Brinley was Brinley Rhind (1824-1887), an American educator and writer who founded the Brinley School for Girls in New York City.

Another notable figure named Brinley was Brinley Richards (1819-1885), an English architect and engineer who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal Albert Hall.

In more recent times, the name Brinley has continued to be used as both a masculine and feminine name, though it is more commonly given to girls. Some other individuals who have borne the name include Brinley Codd (1910-1988), an Australian cricketer, and Brinley Rees (1919-2004), a Welsh composer and conductor.

While the name Brinley has its roots in Old English, it has travelled across various cultures and regions over the centuries, with individuals from diverse backgrounds bearing this name. Its connection to nature and the imagery of streams and woodland clearings has likely contributed to its enduring appeal.