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Home › Baby Names Directory › Motley

Motley

♂ Boy

Pronounced MOT-lee /ˈmɑt.li/High

Meaning: From an English surname/place-name (linked to a 'meeting' or 'stump' clearing); also the word 'motley', variedLow

In 30 seconds: Bold and surnamey: Motley is an old English place-name (a 'meeting clearing') with a rock-and-roll edge (Mötley Crüe). Distinctive and edgy.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningFrom an English surname/place-name (linked to a 'meeting' or 'stump' clearing); also the word 'motley', varied
U.S. rank (2025)#7061 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births12 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 145

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220102025

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

Motley comes from an English surname and place-name (variously linked to a 'meeting' or 'stump' clearing; routes debated, which we note), and overlaps the word 'motley', 'varied, multicolored'. A bold, edgy surname-name.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, meeting-clearing at the (likely) root, and edgy.

Did you know? Motley overlaps the word 'motley' — varied, multicolored — and an old English place-name; the band Mötley Crüe gave it rock-and-roll swagger.
Overall data confidence 55%
Surname references — Motley — routes debated

Variations

MotelyMottley

Nicknames

Mot

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Motley…

Marley— a fellow musical -ley name
Ridley— a companion -ley surname-name
Huxley— another bold -ley name
Wesley— a fellow -ley classic

Explore names like Motley

By themeuncertainenglishsurname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Motley mean?

Motley is an English place-name (a 'meeting clearing' line) and overlaps the word 'motley', 'varied'; the routes are debated.

How do you pronounce Motley?

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

Is Motley a boy or girl name?

Motley is a boy's name.

How popular is Motley?

Motley is a rare name in the U.S.

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