After popping up in the U.S. baby name data several times in the early 2010s, the name Brennley both re-emerged and reached peak usage in 2017:
- 2019: 14 baby girls named Brennley
- 2018: 14 baby girls named Brennley
- 2017: 56 baby girls named Brennley
- 2016: unlisted
- 2015: unlisted
The spelling Brenley also peaked that year, and Brenlei was a one-hit wonder in the data.
What was influencing these names?
A 14-year-old country singer named Brennley Brown.
During the first half of 2017, Brennley appeared on the 12th season of reality competition TV series The Voice. She advanced to the top 8, but was eliminated during the semifinals.
In May, three of the songs that Brennley had performed on the show made consecutive single-week appearances on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. (The songs were “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt, “River” by Joni Mitchell, and “Anyway” by Martina McBride.)
What are your thoughts on the name Brennley?
Sources: Brennley Brown – Wikipedia, Brennley Brown – Billboard, The Voice (season 12) – Wikipedia, SSA
Image: Screenshot of The Voice
It makes me think of those “name your baby based on these 2 characteristics” charts that have syllables that you mix and match together. Like “Brenn- if your birthday is on the 23rd” and “-ley if your middle name starts with G,” for example. Needless to say, I don’t care for it. But it could certainly be worse (Brennleigh).
I like Brenna (f) and Brennan (m).
It does fit that pattern. :)
I concur, it’s a name that I just can’t make myself like.