Arley

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Opinions - is Arley more a girl or boys name? I’m aware it can be used for both, but which do you think it is more popular with?

Also, general thoughts on the name?

I've never heard of this name. I agree with posters who say it sounds like someone dropping the H in Harley.

I think it sound more male than female.

I’ve met an Arley, a boy.

It could be either, but it's so awful that it wouldn't be worth it.

Oh God, and I can just imagine of a lifetime of:

"what Harley?"

"No, Arley."

Please don't do this to your child.

Arley is also a hill in the West Midlands which is very famous for its hill climb motoring event.

Brilliant. Give a child a name where he'll be saying "No-it's Arley. Without an H." for the rest of his life.

Reminds me primarily of the stately home too, but maybe that's not an awful association to make.

What I don't like is the fact that it sounds like it should be Harley and your accent means you've dropped the H (feel the same with Arlo / Harlow).

I think it's better suited to a girl maybe. Not sure though; I just don't really like it.

My ex use to drop his Hs. So I would assume that this person was called Harley.

Appreciate the number of responses. We have actually already chosen a name, but I’ve been having doubts and Arley is one that had stuck in my head.

To those who suggested Harley; weirdly I don’t like Harley at all - but for some reason do like Arley. Arlo is a name I really like but it’s too popular.

In relation to the comment re naming an adult - I’ve known several adult Harley’s, Marley’s and Charlie’s. The majority of you are saying Arley sounds like those so surely it would be fine for an adult as well??

My issue is I really like ie/y ending names, and the name we have chosen does not end in that. I think this is why I’m having doubts because it doesn’t feel like the sort of name we were going to choose.

That was my first thought!

I can see how Arley would appeal as an alternative to Arlo, especially if you like names ending in y.

Have you considered

Koby
Rory
Brodie
Riley
Rafferty (Raffy)
Stanley
Harvey
Colby
Wesley
Cody

Sounds like Harley in an Essex accent to me.

Never heard of it but sounds like a boys name.

I think it will be mistaken for Harley as well.

Can you hedge your bets and have Arley as a second (or third) name?

Arlen and use Arley as a nickname?

if you love Arlo I would personally use it despite popularity- the chances of their being multiple in a class are still very slim

I love Hartley for a boy, if you would consider that

Arley sounds strange, perhaps more male.

Do you like ..
Charles - Charley
Marley
Arlo

Airlie
Fairlie
Carly
Dahlia

It’s 3 North Warks villages - Arley, Old Arley and New Arley so if you’re anywhere local to the midlands that’ll probably be the first association.
I’d assume it was Harley pronounced incorrectly if I heard it as a name - sorry!

Has the baby been born yet? I think if you're having doubts then you should probably find something else.

Is it a boy you're having/have had?

I hear it as Our Lee

Arley looks like you couldn't decide between Arlo and Harley/Marley/Charley.
Given that Arlo is in the top 20 most popular names for boys, Arley will blend into them but not in a good way.

Filming - Arley Hall & Gardens (arleyhallandgardens.com)

There used to be an Arley in my kids school. A girl. I personally don’t like it. Sounds like a made up name.

Baby boy hasn’t arrived yet, he’s due shortly.

We had narrowed it down to three names, Arley was one of the final three but my other half was less keen on it and I had some of the concerns that people have mentioned (mainly that it sounds like Our Lee).

The one we chose was one that we liked and there was nothing wrong with it, but something just doesn’t feel right. I’m not sure if it’ll be different when he arrives and is here. I’m reluctant to say the name because if it starts getting slated that will probably put me in more of a pickle 😂 but it’s a pretty traditional name, within the top 200.

I think it's always easier to pick a name then they're here. Sometimes they just don't suit certain names or the name doesn't feel right. I'm sure it'll all fall into place when he's here.

I don't know if they've already been suggested but I like Finlay and Henry.

Not a fan, my nephew has a son with this name spelt Arlie, he’s five now.

I know of two Arlies, both are 4 years old but one girl and one boy. I always thought it was a variation of Arlo.