The first name Morley

In 2025, 5 boys were named Morley, making it the 3,684th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2005, with 8 births (#1,991).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Morley with other names.

In 2024, 6 girls born in the United States were named Morley, the 14,722nd most popular girls’ name that year. It was used most in 1918, when 19 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Morley Safer
  Canadian-American reporter and correspondent (1931-2016)
• Morley Griswold
  American politician (1890–1951)
• Morley Callaghan
  Canadian writer (1903–1990)

• Tyler
• Alfred
• Blake
• Grayson
• Stanley
• Tom
• Wyatt
• Miles
• Brandon
• Maxwell
• Landon
• Bradley
• Spencer
• Wesley
• Colton
• Hugh

All 216 names of English origin

What does the name Morley mean?

Morley means “moor”, “wood”, “lea” in English.

What is the origin of the name Morley?

From Old English mor (“moor”) + leah (“wood”). Equivalent to moor + -ley (“lea”).

How popular is the name Morley?

In 2025, 5 boys born in England and Wales were named Morley, ranking 3,684th. Its peak was 2005, with 8 births.

Is Morley a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 566 US babies named Morley since 1880, 8% were girls and 92% boys.

When was Morley most popular?

1918 in the United States, when 19 babies were named Morley, its highest rank at 1,807th.

Is Morley also a surname?

Yes. Morley is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.