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Berkeley

♀ Girl

Pronounced BERK-lee /ˈbɜːrk.li/High

Meaning: birch tree meadow or clearingMedium

In 30 seconds: Berkeley is an Old English surname name meaning birch tree meadow. A sophisticated place-name for girls associated with California's famous university.

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Origin HighOld English

Meaningbirch tree meadow or clearing

U.S. rank (2025)#2490 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births71 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,073

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Berkeley is an Old English place name from beorc (birch tree) and leah (meadow). It became famous as a California location named for philosopher George Berkeley.

Berkeley has grown in use as a given name for girls in the 21st century.

Did you know? The University of California, Berkeley takes its name from Irish philosopher George Berkeley (1685–1753) — connecting Berkeley to a centuries-long tradition of human thought.

Overall data confidence 82%

Oxford Dictionary of Surnames — reference for BerkeleyBehind the Name: Berkeley — name etymology reference

Variations

BerkleyBerkleeBerkleigh

Nicknames

BerkBerkie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Berkeley…

Hartley— similar Old English -ley surname name for girls

Presley— popular -ley surname name for girls

Ainsley— classic -sley name used for girls

Brixley— another Old English name

Hensley— echoes that soft -ey sound

Explore names like Berkeley

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Frequently Asked

What does Berkeley mean?

Berkeley means birch tree meadow, from Old English beorc (birch tree) and leah (meadow).

How do you pronounce Berkeley?

Berkeley is pronounced BERK-lee (/ˈbɜːrk.li/), with two syllables.

Is Berkeley a girl's name?

Berkeley is used for both boys and girls; it is increasingly popular for girls.

How popular is the name Berkeley?

Berkeley has grown in use for girls in the 21st century.