Daley

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAY-lee /ˈdeɪ.li/High

Meaning: From the Irish surname Daly/O Dalaigh, 'a descendant of Dalach (one who attends assemblies/gatherings)'; also linked to 'a valley'; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A descendant of Dalach; from the assembly: Daley is Irish. Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes; routes layered.

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Origin LowIrish

MeaningFrom the Irish surname Daly/O Dalaigh, 'a descendant of Dalach (one who attends assemblies/gatherings)'; also linked to 'a valley'; used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#10082 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 151

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

Daley comes from the Irish surname Daly/O Dalaigh, 'a descendant of Dalach (one who attends assemblies/gatherings)'; also linked to 'a valley'; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'DAY-lee').

In the U.S. it appears as an Irish surname-turned-first-name. Rare, a-descendant-of-Dalach at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Daley is an Irish surname (O Dalaigh), 'a descendant of Dalach (one who attends assemblies)' — a crisp, classic name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'DAY-lee').

Overall data confidence 26%

References — Daley — Irish; unisex; routes layered

Variations

DalyDaileyDaleigh

Nicknames

Dale

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeuncertain unisex surname-name irish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Daley mean?

Daley is an Irish surname (O Dalaigh), 'a descendant of Dalach (one who attends assemblies)'; also linked to 'a valley'; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Daley?

It's said DAY-lee /ˈdeɪ.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Daley a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Daley?

Daley is a very rare name in the U.S.