Find out how popular the first name Steely has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Steely by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Steely is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Steely being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 33 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Steely.

The history of the first name Steely

The name Steely has its origins in the English language, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 18th century. The name is derived from the word "steel," which refers to the strong and durable alloy metal made from iron and carbon. It is believed that the name was initially used as a descriptive surname or nickname to describe someone with a strong and resilient character.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Steely can be found in the historical records of the British military. Steely Prentice, born in 1770, was a Scottish soldier who served in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his bravery and unwavering determination on the battlefield, earning him the nickname "Steely."

In literature, the name Steely appeared in the 19th century novel "The Fortunes of Nigel" by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1822. The novel features a character named Steely Stubbord, who is described as a resolute and unyielding individual.

Another notable historical figure with the name Steely was Steely Smith, born in 1836. He was an American frontiersman and explorer who played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States during the mid-19th century. Smith was known for his steely determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the realm of sports, Steely Dan Fouts, born in 1951, is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers from 1973 to 1987. He was nicknamed "Steely Dan" for his cool and composed demeanor under pressure on the field.

Lastly, Steely Dan is also the name of a renowned American rock band formed in 1972 by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The name was chosen as a reference to the aforementioned Steely Dan Fouts, reflecting the band's interest in combining elements of rock, jazz, and sophisticated lyrics.

Overall, the name Steely has been associated with individuals who exhibit strength, resilience, and unwavering determination throughout history, reflecting the qualities embodied by the strong and durable metal from which it derives its meaning.

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

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

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