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Stanley Boy

Popularity: #653 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationSTAN-lee / /ˈstæn.li/

Old English; German

Meaning

Old English: 'stone clearing'; German: 'from the stony meadow'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Stanley originates from Old English, deriving from the elements "stan," meaning "stone," and "leah," meaning "woodland" or "clearing." Thus, the literal interpretation of Stanley is "stone clearing" or "stony meadow." The name was first recorded in the 11th century, appearing in various forms such as "Stanleah" in early documents, which referred to locations in England. It eventually evolved into its modern form as it transitioned through Middle English, gaining prominence as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the 19th century.

Historically, the name Stanley has notable associations, particularly in English history. One significant figure is Sir John Stanley, a prominent nobleman in the late 14th century who played a crucial role in the Wars of the Roses. The name also appears in literature, notably in Shakespeare's works, where characters bearing the name reflect the qualities associated with strength and resilience. The name gained further recognition through the Stanley family, who were influential in the English aristocracy, particularly during the Tudor period.

Culturally, the name Stanley has been linked to various symbolic meanings, often associated with stability and strength due to its etymological roots in stone. This connection to enduring qualities has contributed to its lasting appeal across generations. Additionally, the diminutive form "Stan" has emerged as a familiar variant, often used in informal contexts. The name's historical significance and cultural resonance have ensured its continued presence in English-speaking societies.

Trend Summary

Stanley has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Stan
  • Stanny

International Variants

  • Stanislas (French)
  • Stanislav (Slavic)

Famous people named Stanley

Stanley Kubrick is a film director best known for 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining.

Stanley Tucci is an actor and author best known for The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, and The Hunger Games.

Stanley Ipkiss is a fictional character best known as the protagonist in The Mask.

Stanley Clarke is a musician and composer best known for his work in jazz fusion and as a member of Return to Forever.

Fictional characters named Stanley

Stanley Yelnats is a fictional character from the novel and film Holes. He is a young boy who is sent to a juvenile detention camp where he uncovers a family curse and a hidden treasure.

Stanley Ipkiss is a fictional character from the film The Mask. He is a timid bank clerk who transforms into a confident and mischievous figure when he wears a magical mask.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Stanley was first seen in the United States in 1880. Stanley has ranked as high as #126 nationally, which occurred in 1954, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Stanley has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Stanley (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 22
11%
CA 19
9%
PA 18
9%
NY 16
8%
MI 15
7%
IL 14
7%
TX 13
6%
WI 12
6%
TN 10
5%
MN 9
4%
MA 8
4%
OH 7
3%
MD 6
3%
WA 6
3%
GA 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188065
188176
188276
188368
1884105
188597
188695
1887110
1888154
1889151
1890223
1891178
1892181
1893212
1894218
1895233
1896259
1897240
1898295
1899258
1900342
1901239
1902334
1903361
1904371
1905384
1906455
1907516
1908547
1909607
1910761
1911997
19122,017
19132,595
19143,559
19154,807
19165,130
19175,186
19185,618
19195,238
19205,314
19215,231
19225,045
19235,036
19245,186
19255,030
19264,966
19274,902
19284,481
19294,265
19304,383
19314,202
19323,759
19333,433
19343,568
19353,696
19363,492
19373,484
19383,544
19393,570
19403,693
19413,926
19424,587
19434,699
19444,121
19454,058
19464,767
19475,502
19485,383
19495,527
19505,453
19516,205
19526,226
19536,275
19546,448
19556,050
19565,985
19575,267
19584,910
19594,343
19604,218
19613,924
19623,636
19633,541
19643,130
19652,818
19662,437
19672,247
19682,145
19691,906
19701,950
19711,769
19721,475
19731,358
19741,145
19751,170
19761,152
19771,115
19781,021
19791,065
19801,096
19811,014
19821,000
1983908
1984885
1985920
1986871
1987821
1988826
1989869
1990808
1991778
1992694
1993637
1994607
1995562
1996531
1997525
1998473
1999508
2000453
2001443
2002472
2003405
2004413
2005410
2006404
2007398
2008370
2009359
2010347
2011348
2012315
2013355
2014372
2015365
2016367
2017351
2018344
2019377
2020334
2021312
2022324
2023304
2024275