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Hanley

♀ Girl

Pronounced HAN-lee /ˈhæn.li/Medium

Meaning: From the English place-name and surname Hanley, from the Old English hēah ('high') or stān ('rock') plus lēah ('meadow; clearing'). A surname name, often unisex or boy-leaning; used here for a girl, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: A breezy English surname-name: Hanley means 'high meadow' (said 'HAN-lee'). Often unisex or boys' — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English place-name and surname Hanley, from the Old English hēah ('high') or stān ('rock') plus lēah ('meadow; clearing'). A surname name, often unisex or boy-leaning; used here for a girl, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12592 ↗ Rising

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

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 263

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

Hanley comes from the English surname and place-name, from the Old English for 'high' or 'rock' plus 'meadow' — a 'high meadow.' As a girl's name it is rare and reads as a modern surname pick; often unisex or boy-leaning, which we note (said 'HAN-lee').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S., beside unisex and boys' use. Rare, surname-style, and breezy.

Did you know? Hanley began as an English place-name and surname, 'high meadow' or 'rock meadow.' It reads unisex and turns up for girls now and then, which we note (said 'HAN-lee').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Hanley — English surname 'high meadow'; cross-sex/unisex

Variations

HanleighHanleeHenley

Nicknames

HanLee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hanley…

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Oakley— a like breezy nature-surname choice

Presley— a like modern surname-style name

Hartley— echoes that soft -ey sound

Holley— lands in the same popularity range

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hanley mean?

Hanley is an English surname and place-name meaning 'high meadow' or 'rock meadow.'

How do you pronounce Hanley?

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

Is Hanley a boy or girl name?

Hanley is used for both; it often reads unisex or boy-leaning — we note it.

How popular is Hanley?

Hanley is rare for girls in the U.S.