Find out how popular the first name Buckley has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Buckley by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Buckley is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 68 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Buckley.

The history of the first name Buckley

The name Buckley has its roots in the Old English language, derived from the words "buc" meaning "buck" or male deer, and "leah" meaning a meadow or clearing in a forest. It was originally a descriptive name given to someone who lived or worked in an area abundant with deer.

During the medieval period in England, the name Buckley was particularly prevalent in the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire, which were known for their extensive woodlands and deer hunting grounds. It was often used as a surname, but over time, it also became established as a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Buckley can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named "Buckley" in the county of Cheshire.

In the 13th century, a prominent figure named Buckley of Buckley was recorded as the Lord of the Manor of Buckley in Cheshire. This feudal lord and his descendants played a significant role in the local history and governance of the region.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Buckley. One such person was William Buckley (1780-1856), an English convict who escaped from a penal colony in Australia and lived among Aboriginal Australians for over 30 years, becoming an important figure in early colonial history.

Another famous Buckley was William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008), an American author, conservative commentator, and the host of the long-running TV show "Firing Line." He was a prominent figure in the intellectual and political spheres of the United States.

In the world of literature, Christopher Buckley (born 1952) is an American novelist and satirist, best known for his political satires such as "Thank You for Smoking" and "Boomsday." He is the son of William F. Buckley Jr.

In the field of sports, Bill Buckley (1886-1964) was an American baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, in the early 20th century.

Finally, Buckley Barrett (born 1983) is a contemporary Australian singer-songwriter and musician, known for his alternative rock and indie folk music, and for his solo projects as well as his work with the band The Snowdroppers.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have carried the name Buckley throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence across various cultures and disciplines.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Buckley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Buckley, please contact us.

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