Find out how popular the first name Starley has been for the last 15 years (from 2009 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Starley by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Starley is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Starley.

The history of the first name Starley

The name Starley is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "stær" meaning "starling" or "little star." It is believed to have emerged as a surname during the Middle Ages, referring to someone who lived near a starling's nest or had a notable connection with the bird.

In the 16th century, the name Starley began to appear as a given name, albeit rarely. One of the earliest recorded instances is a man named Starley Woodroffe, born in 1592 in Warwickshire, England. He was a minor landowner and is mentioned in local parish records.

During the 17th century, the name gained some popularity among Puritan families in England, who favored biblical and nature-inspired names. A notable bearer of the name from this time was Starley Grimshaw (1619-1687), a Puritan minister and author from Lancashire.

In the 18th century, the name Starley became associated with the cycling industry. John Kemp Starley (1854-1901) was an English inventor and industrialist who is credited with developing the modern bicycle design known as the "Rover Safety Bicycle." He founded the Starley & Sutton Co-operative Bicycle Manufacturing Company in 1879, which later became the Rover Cycle Company.

Another prominent figure bearing the name was Starley Semple (1856-1938), a Scottish-born architect who designed several notable buildings in South Africa, including the Johannesburg City Hall and the Durban City Hall.

In the 20th century, the name Starley remained relatively uncommon but had a few notable bearers. Starley Winston Groom (1944-2021) was an American novelist and author best known for his book "Forrest Gump," which was adapted into the acclaimed 1994 film of the same name.

While not a common name, Starley has left its mark on history through its connection to the cycling industry, Puritan heritage, and the arts. Its unique and celestial connotations have made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a touch of whimsy and a rich historical background.

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

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

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