Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Presley
GirlEnglish, Old English· “priest's clearing”
- Meaning
- priest's clearing
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- PREZ-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #225
- US babies 2025
- 1,362
- Best rank
- #188 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Presley
Presley is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “priest's clearing”.
Presley comes from an English surname meaning priest's clearing or meadow, from Old English words for priest and a woodland clearing. The name is closely associated with Elvis Presley, the singer known as the King of Rock and Roll. As a first name, Presley has become popular for girls, though it is also used for boys. It feels fun and musical, with a touch of retro glamour. Variations include Presleigh and Priestley. Pres makes a playful nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Pressley.
Popularity over time
Presley first appears in US Social Security records in 1977. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 28 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #188 in 2015, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 1,743 were named Presley. In 2025, 1,362 babies were named Presley, and it ranked #225 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #790 in 2000, #276 in 2010, and #225 in 2025. Of the 31,778 US girls named Presley since records began, 48% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 8,336 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Callie, Harmony, Adelyn, Cali, and Arabella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Presley ranked highest in Iowa, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #85 | 34 |
| Kentucky | #100 | 42 |
| West Virginia | #104 | 15 |
| Mississippi | #113 | 21 |
| Alabama | #123 | 36 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Presley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Presley is usually pronounced PREZ-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with P and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Pressley.
Middle names for Presley
A few middle names that flow with Presley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Presley
Similar names
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Lists that include Presley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Presley mean?
Presley is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “priest's clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Presley?
Presley has English and Old English roots. Presley comes from an English surname meaning priest's clearing or meadow, from Old English words for priest and a woodland clearing.
Is Presley a popular name?
Yes. Presley ranked #225 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Presley a boy or girl name?
Presley is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Presley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Presley?
Presley is usually pronounced PREZ-lee. 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