Brailey

Meaning of Brailey

Brailey, pronounced BRAY-lee (/ˈbreɪli/), is an English adaptation of Riley—it traces back to the Irish Ó Raghailligh or, in some interpretations, to Old English elements meaning “hill” and “clearing.” Originally encountered as a surname, Brailey emerged in the United States as a feminine given name in the mid-1990s, registering between six and ten annual occurrences at that time. Its popularity peaked around 2012 with 79 newborns (rank 863) before stabilizing in the low teens and ranking near 933 in 2024. This pattern highlights Brailey’s status as a niche choice: it never soared to the top of naming charts but has maintained a consistent, if modest, presence. For parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and subtly unconventional, Brailey offers a crisp two-syllable sound and a touch of Anglo-American heritage without slipping into ubiquity.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as BRAY-lee (/ˈbreɪli/)

• Riley
• Brinley
• Paisley
• Hailey
• Bailey
• Kayley