Find out how popular the first name Delayney has been for the last 3 years (from 2006 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Delayney by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Delayney is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Delayney.

The history of the first name Delayney

The name Delayney is a feminine given name of English origin that emerged in the late 20th century. It is considered a variant spelling of the name Delaney, which is derived from the Old Irish surname Ó Dólánaigh, meaning "descendant of Dolán." Dolán itself is an Irish personal name originating from the Irish word "dólán," meaning "a challenge or defiant one."

The earliest recorded use of the name Delayney can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States, though it remained relatively uncommon until the 1990s. Its rise in popularity is believed to be influenced by the increasing trend of creating unique or alternative spellings of traditional names during that time period.

While there are no known historical figures specifically named Delayney, the name is closely tied to the Irish surname Delaney, which has a rich history. One notable bearer of the Delaney surname was Shaun Delaney (1914-1983), an Irish playwright and novelist who wrote several works exploring the social and political struggles of rural Ireland.

Another individual with the name Delaney is Mary Delaney (1700-1788), an English artist and woman of letters known for her pioneering work in the art of paper mosaics, which she developed as a pastime in her later years.

In the realm of sports, Rodney Delaney (born 1969) was an Australian rules football player who played for the Fitzroy Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Additionally, Kim Delaney (born 1961) is an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as "NYPD Blue" and "Army Wives," for which she received multiple award nominations.

Lastly, Shelagh Delaney (1938-2011) was an English dramatist and novelist who gained recognition for her groundbreaking play "A Taste of Honey," which explored issues of class, race, and gender in post-war Britain.

While the name Delayney may be a relatively modern invention, its roots can be traced back to ancient Irish culture and language, reflecting the rich tapestry of name traditions and their evolution over time.

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

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

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