Berkeley
Berkeley: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɑːkli/ · /ˈbɜːkli/
Meaning and origin of Berkeley
Root meaning: “birch”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From Old English beorc (“birch”) + leah (“meadow, leigh”). Equivalent to birch + -ley (“lea”).
How popular is Berkeley?
Since 1880, 2,073 girls and 900 boys in the U.S. have been named Berkeley (70% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1763 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #1940 in 1934. In 2025, 81 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Berkeley
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Berkeley
Sister and brother names that share Berkeley's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Berkeley FAQ
What does the name Berkeley mean?
Berkeley traces back to a root meaning "birch". A male given name transferred from the surname. From Old English beorc (“birch”) + leah (“meadow, leigh”). Equivalent to birch + -ley (“lea”).
What is the origin of the name Berkeley?
Berkeley is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Berkeley?
Since 1880, 2,073 girls and 900 boys in the U.S. have been named Berkeley (70% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1763 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #1940 in 1934. In 2025, 81 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Berkeley a boy or girl name?
Berkeley is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (2,073 girls and 900 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.