Find out how popular the first name Raley has been for the last 35 years (from 1988 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raley by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Raley is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Raley.

The history of the first name Raley

The name Raley has its origins in the Old English language and can be traced back to the 10th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "ræg," which meant "roe deer." This suggests that the name may have initially been used as a nickname or surname for someone who was associated with hunting or had some connection to deer.

In ancient Anglo-Saxon texts, variations of the name, such as "Raelegh" and "Raleigh," can be found. These early spellings indicate that the name was in use among the Anglo-Saxons, who inhabited parts of present-day England and southern Scotland during the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Raley can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Ralegh," referring to a place name in Somerset, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Raley. One of the most famous was Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618), an English explorer, courtier, and writer who played a pivotal role in the colonization of North America. He is best known for establishing the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina and for introducing tobacco and potatoes to England.

Another prominent figure with the name Raley was Cavendish Weedon Raley (1821-1897), a British architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal College of Surgeons and the Church of St. Michael in Cornhill.

In the literary world, Raley Husted Bell (1859-1924) was an American writer and journalist known for her novels and short stories depicting life in the American West.

Raley Grose (1909-1979) was an American baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Athletics and the St. Louis Browns in the 1930s and 1940s.

More recently, Raley Smilin' Riley (1919-2008) was an American country music singer and guitarist who performed with various bands and on radio stations throughout the mid-20th century.

While the name Raley has its roots in Old English and has been present throughout various periods of history, it has remained relatively uncommon compared to other names. However, its unique sound and connection to the natural world have contributed to its enduring appeal and usage over the centuries.

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

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

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