Find out how popular the first name Curley has been for the last 30 years (from 1974 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Curley by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Curley is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Curley.

The history of the first name Curley

The name Curley is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Curcaigh, which means "twisted" or "curly-haired." The name has its origins in medieval Ireland, where it was likely used as a descriptive nickname for someone with curly hair.

In ancient Irish texts and historical records, the name appears in various spellings, such as Curcach, Curcaigh, and Curchaigh. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and across different regions of Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Curley can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 15th century. The Annals mention an individual named Curcaigh Ua Dubhda, who was a notable figure in the year 1022.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Curley. One of the most famous was James Michael Curley (1874-1958), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Boston on multiple occasions and was a prominent figure in Massachusetts politics during the early 20th century.

Another notable Curley was Michael Joseph Curley (1879-1947), an American Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Baltimore and the Archbishop of Washington, D.C. He was a influential figure in the Catholic Church in the United States.

In the literary world, Charles Curley (1913-1991) was an American poet and educator who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1973 for his collection "Fair and Unfair Witnesses."

In the realm of sports, Curley Culp (born 1946) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) from 1968 to 1981. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Finally, Curley Twisters (1887-1963) was an American baseball player who played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1909 to 1923, primarily for the Boston Red Sox.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Curley, a name with deep roots in Irish culture and a rich historical legacy.

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 Curley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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