Given name
Barklay
“birch tree”·“wood or clearing”
Barklay is a variant of Barclay. The likely place-name background combines “birch tree” with “wood or clearing.” This is an explanation of the surname’s geographical origin, rather than a meaning shared by every name associated with Barclay.
Meaning & origin
What it means
Barklay is a variant of Barclay. The likely place-name background combines “birch tree” with “wood or clearing.” This is an explanation of the surname’s geographical origin, rather than a meaning shared by every name associated with Barclay.
Explained through its name family
Where it comes from
Barklay is a variant of Barclay. Barclay is generally a given-name use of the Scottish surname. That surname is probably connected with Berkeley in Gloucestershire; its Irish use as an English form of Parthalan is a separate naming route.
Explained through its name family
How it developed
Barklay is a variant of Barclay. The shared background comes through Barclay: Berkeley is explained through Old English beorc, “birch tree,” and lēah, “wood or clearing.” Barclay’s connection to that place is considered highly probable, although not certain.
Explained through its name family
The story
Barklay is a variant of Barclay. The history of Barclay gives this family its wider story. Walter de Berchelai brought the surname to Scotland in the twelfth century and became chamberlain in 1165. His descendants formed one of Scotland’s powerful families. The later adoption of Barclay as a given name probably drew on that family’s prominence.
Explained through its name family
Barklay’s family of names
Barklay has a related form in Barclay.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 1
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Similar names
If you love Barklay, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Bartli
“from the meadow of birch trees”
—
Barkleah
“birch tree” · “wood or clearing”
—
aruway
“charming, lovely” · “moon”
>99% girls
Bardhyl
“white star” · “white”
99% boys · 1% girls
Baxleigh
“from the baker's meadow”
—
Äsemay
“beautiful” · “moon”
—
Badrou
“born beneath the full moon”
—
Barkley
“birch tree” · “wood or clearing”
98% boys · 2% girls