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Berkley

♂ Boy

Berkley Pronunciation

Berkley is pronounced BERK-lee /ˈbɜrk.li/High

Meaning: Birch-tree clearing or meadow; a spelling of Berkeley, from Old English beorc, 'birch', plus leahHigh

In 30 seconds: A birch grove with a diploma: Berkley is the middle spelling of Berkeley — 'birch meadow' — campus-cool for a son without the full university paperwork.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningBirch-tree clearing or meadow; a spelling of Berkeley, from Old English beorc, 'birch', plus leah

U.S. rank (2024)#3327 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births35 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,169

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Berkley spells Berkeley — Old English beorc plus leah, 'birch clearing' — the name of the Gloucestershire castle where Edward II met his end, the philosopher-bishop, and the California city of free speech and Nobel laureates. The streamlined -ley form serves several American towns (Berkley, Michigan among them).

As a boy's first name it is rare and collegiate; girls' use of Berklee and Berkley runs parallel. The nickname Berk keeps it gruffly approachable.

Did you know? Berkeley, California is named for philosopher Bishop George Berkeley, whose line 'Westward the course of empire takes its way' inspired the town's founders.

Overall data confidence 88%

Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names — Berkeley — etymology

Variations

BerkeleyBerkleeBarclay

Nicknames

Berk

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Berkley…

Bentley— a fellow polished English -ley surname

Brooks— shares the prep-school surname register

Kingsley— another scholarly -ley pick for sons

Bailey— another English name

Brentley— a similarly popular pick

→ See all names like Berkley

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Berkley?

Berkley is pronounced BERK-lee (/ˈbɜrk.li/). Press play above to hear Berkley said aloud.

How do you say Berkley?

Berkley is said BERK-lee (/ˈbɜrk.li/). Press play above to hear Berkley said aloud.

What does the name Berkley mean?

Berkley is a spelling of Berkeley, Old English for 'birch-tree clearing or meadow'.

Is Berkley a boy or girl name?

Berkley is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Berkley?

Berkley is a rare name for boys in the U.S.