Halley is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the surname "Hall", which has its roots in Old English and means "from the hall". The name Halley gained prominence through the astronomer Edmund Halley, after whom the famous comet is named. Although it was initially used more as a surname, over time it has evolved into a given name for both boys and girls. The name Halley does not have a specific meaning beyond its association with the astronomical phenomenon, but its rarity makes it stand out as an interesting choice for parents looking for something different.
The name Halley has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1910 and 1985, there were fewer than 15 births per year on average. However, starting from 1985, the number of births began to increase rapidly, reaching a peak of 333 births in 1986.
From 1987 onwards, the popularity of the name Halley started to decline gradually but steadily. Between 1987 and 2022, there were between 35 and 49 births each year, with a total of 4006 births recorded over these years.
The name Halley had its peak popularity in the late 1980s to early 1990s. It is interesting to note that even during the periods of declining popularity, there were still a significant number of babies named Halley each year, indicating that the name continues to be chosen by parents for their children.
Overall, while the name Halley may not be as popular today as it was in the past, it remains a viable and unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.