What Does the Name Presley Mean?

Presley combines the Old English "preost" (priest) and "leah" (meadow), together meaning "priest's meadow" — land historically associated with clergy.

The Origin & History of Presley

As a surname, Presley was made famous worldwide by Elvis Presley, "the King of Rock and Roll," and later kept in the public eye by his daughter, singer Lisa Marie Presley, and granddaughter Riley Keough.

Popularity & Modern Use

Presley entered the US first-name charts in the 2000s and 2010s as part of the surname-name trend, and is now given overwhelmingly to girls despite its male namesake origin.

Personality & Associations

Presley tends to feel cool, musical, and a little glamorous, carrying an echo of its famous rock-and-roll surname.

Famous People Named Presley

Elvis Presley, the musician whose surname started the trend, and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley, a singer in her own right, are the name's defining namesakes.

Nicknames & Variations

Pres is an occasional short form. Presly is a less common alternate spelling.