Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Berkley

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      From the birch wood

      Variations

      Barkley, Berkeley, Camberley
      The name Berkley has its origins in the English language, with its literal meaning being From the birch wood. The name is derived from the Old English word beorc, which means birch tree, and ley, which means woodland or clearing. This suggests that the name likely referred to individuals who either lived near birch forests or had a connection to such areas.

      In history, the name Berkley can be traced back to several notable figures. One prominent example is the Berkeley family, an aristocratic British family that played a significant role in English politics and society. The family's ancestral estate, Berkeley Castle, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in England. This historical association has helped solidify the name Berkley's reputation and prominence.

      In modern-day usage, the name Berkley continues to hold significance. It is commonly used as a first name for both males and females, although more prevalent among males. The name's connection to nature and woodlands often evokes a sense of strength and vitality. Additionally, its historical background lends an air of sophistication and heritage. As a result, Berkley remains a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and timeless name for their child.

      Based on our records...

      Williams

      Williams

      This is the most common surname associated with Berkley.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Berkley.
      Berkley

      Berkley

      This is the most common name for a child of a Berkley.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1914 is when there were the most people born with the first name Berkley.

      Explore the origins of another name.