boys' name · peaked 1970

Barclay

Every Barclay since 1912 — 978 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.

Measure
Births per 1,000 babies of that sex — comparable across eras
0.010.010.020.0218801900192019401960198020002020BoysGirls
BoysGirls
Rank 2025
among boys
Babies in 2025
<5
named Barclay
Peak year
1970
31 babies
All-time total
978
since 1912

The story of Barclay

Barclay is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.

Since 1912, 978 American babies have been named Barclay. Its peak came in 1970, when 31 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1970s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Barclay stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

Barclay year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year Girls Girls rank Boys Boys rank
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021 6 #10,950
2020
2019
2018 5 #12,381
2017
2016 5 #12,412
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011 6 #10,958
2010
2009 7 #9,980
2008
2007
2006
2005 5 #11,660
2004 5 #11,546
2003
2002
2001 5 #10,738
2000
1995 6 #7,891
1990 8 #5,879
1985 17 #2,843
1980 11 #3,635
1975 12 #3,087
1970 5 #8,086 26 #1,707
1965 10 #2,634
1960 8 #3,106
1955 7 #3,220
1950 14 #2,033
1945 7 #2,762
1940 7 #2,896
1935 6 #3,288
1930 10 #2,623
1925 8 #3,175
1920 7 #3,516
1915 6 #3,430
1910
1905
1900
1895
1890
1885
1880

Frequently asked questions

How popular is the name Barclay in 2025?

Barclay did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.

How many people are named Barclay?

978 babies have been named Barclay in the United States since 1912, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Barclay most popular?

Barclay peaked in 1970, when 31 newborns received the name.

Is Barclay a boy or girl name?

Barclay is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 98% of babies with the name.

Is the name Barclay rising or falling?

Barclay has been roughly stable over the past decade.

Names like Barclay

Compare Barclay with similar names →