Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Delaney
GirlIrish, French· “from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, French
- Pronunciation
- duh-LAY-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #242
- US babies 2025
- 1,283
- Best rank
- #169 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Delaney
Delaney is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and French roots.
Delaney began as a surname, and it may have more than one source. In Ireland it is used as an English form of Ó Dubhshláine, usually explained as "descendant of Dubhshláine," a personal name whose meaning is uncertain. A separate Norman French surname, de l'aunaie, meaning "from the alder grove," may also have contributed. As a given name Delaney became popular in the United States in the late twentieth century as part of the wave of Irish surnames used for girls. It has a lively, friendly sound, and Laney or Del make easy short forms for everyday use.
Popularity over time
Delaney first appears in US Social Security records in 1939. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1991. Its best national rank was #169 in 2004, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,002 babies. In 2025, 1,283 babies were named Delaney, and it ranked #242 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,308 in 1980, #206 in 2000, #209 in 2010, and #242 in 2025. Of the 45,437 US girls named Delaney since records began, 38% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 12,869 babies. Since 2010, 20,317 more have been named Delaney.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kyla, Abby, Mariana, Nadia, and Kyra.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Delaney ranked highest in Maine, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #91 | 11 |
| South Dakota | #102 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | #116 | 88 |
| Delaware | #127 | 7 |
| Maryland | #138 | 34 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Delaney over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Delaney is usually pronounced duh-LAY-nee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Delaney
A few middle names that flow with Delaney: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Delaney
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Lists that include Delaney
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Delaney mean?
Delaney is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Delaney?
Delaney has Irish and French roots. Delaney began as a surname, and it may have more than one source.
Is Delaney a popular name?
Yes. Delaney ranked #242 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Delaney a boy or girl name?
Delaney is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Delaney over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Delaney?
Delaney is usually pronounced duh-LAY-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings