Bailey
How to say it: BAY-lee · /ˈbeɪli/
English occupational surname meaning 'bailiff' or 'law enforcer'; also refers to the outer wall of a castle.
Bailey was the 188th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,446 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 54% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #244 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #188 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,446 |
| Share of births | 1 in 1,725 |
| Peak decade | 2000s |
| Change over 10 years | −54% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #244 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
The 2000s marked the high point for Bailey, which remains well used. It now rests well below that peak and is expected to slip.
What goes with it
Bright and breezy with soft l sounds and crisp consonants, Bailey feels modern and casual. Harper matches its energy.
Middle names that flow with Bailey →
Nicknames
- Bails
- Bay
Honouring a Bailey in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Bailey is about 1 in 72.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
England and Wales: #260.
Famous people named Bailey
- Bailey Jay (born 1988)American pornographic actress
- Bailey Bass (born 2003)American actress
- Bailey De Young (born 1989)Actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Baileys (heard as Bailey's) is a widely known Irish-cream liqueur
Keep exploring
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