Bailey / Bailie

Meaning: (Bailiff, Berry Clearing, City Fortification, It is from the elements ‘Baili’ meaning Bailiff; ‘Baiulus’ Porter, Messenger; ‘Beg’ Berry; ‘Leah’ Wood, Clearing, Meadow. The personal name is derived from an Old English family name which was originally given to someone working as a Bailiff or Porter; the job title is itself of Latin roots. The surname could also have originated as a byname for someone who lived in or near a Bailey or Fortress, or else Bailey in Lancashire, an English place name of the elements ‘Beg’ and ‘Leah’ (meaning Wood, Clearing, Meadow). This was a regular boy name in the 19^th Century, but it was later popularized as a girl name. Initial popularity of Bailey was due to a character in the 1980’s television series “WKRP in Cincinnati”.)

Origin: (Old English, Latin)

Pronunciation: (BAY-lee, BEY-Liy)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I have never been a real fan of Bailey / Bailie because it always seemed like a bad southern name. Of course lately I have heard this name quite often. It does have an interesting meaning and long history. A good nickname could be Bails which is cute.