Stanley - boys name

Stanley name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 98%

Stanley name meaning:

The name Stanley is of Old English origin and has a rich history. It is derived from the Old English elements "stan," meaning "stone," and "leah," meaning "clearing" or "meadow." Therefore, the name Stanley can be interpreted as "stone clearing" or "meadow with stones." This meaning suggests a connection to nature and the earth, possibly symbolizing strength and solidity.

Stanley is a popular name with historical significance, closely associated with famous figures such as Stanley Baldwin, a former British Prime Minister, and Stanley Kubrick, a renowned film director. The name Stanley also gained popularity through its use in literature, most notably in the novel "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, where the character Stanley Kowalski represents a strong and determined personality.

In summary, the name Stanley signifies a connection to nature and strength through its meaning of "stone clearing" or "meadow with stones." It has a historical and literary significance, portraying a sense of solidity and determination.

Origin: English

Rocky meadow.

Categories

Unisex names, Victorian names

Related names

Stanley , Stan

Other boys names beginning with S

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 82 out of 4789

724 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    -2
  • 5yrs

    -17
  • 1yr

    -8

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

  • England (80)
  • Scotland (297)

Historical popularity of Stanley

The graph below shows the popularity of the boys's name Stanley from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Stanley in 2024