What Does the Name Bailey Mean?
Bailey means "bailiff" or "steward," from the Middle English baili, describing an official responsible for administering a manor, district, or castle on behalf of its lord.
The Origin & History of Bailey
As a surname, Bailey could also serve as a topographic name for someone who lived near the outer wall of a castle -- the bailey itself, a term still preserved in place names like the Old Bailey in London. Occasional use as a first name is recorded through the 19th century US, but it mostly disappeared by the 1940s.
Cultural Reach
Bailey's modern revival as a girls' first name is often traced to the 1978 sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, whose character Bailey Quarters helped popularize it; it has since become established as one of many surname-turned-first-name choices for American girls.
Famous People Named Bailey
Notable bearers include Bailey Chase, the American actor known for the TV series Longmire and Justified.
Nicknames & Variations
Bailey doesn't commonly shorten further as a nickname itself. Spelling variants include Baylee and Bailee.
Is Bailey a Good Name in 2026?
Bailey remains a familiar, comfortable choice among surname names for girls, with a straightforward, friendly sound and an occupational history that gives it real substance.