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Joely

Girl name · 7 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Joely: 7 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2006.

Joely is a modern feminine name, most often considered a variant of Joelle, itself the female form of Joel, a Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh is God.” It emerged as a given name in the mid-20th century, gaining visibility through actress Joely Richardson, known for her roles in *Nip/Tuck* and *The Patriot*, and her half-sister Joely Fisher, an actress and singer. The name also shares roots with the biblical Joel, though no direct place connections exist. In Scotland, Joely has seen occasional use since the 1970s, often chosen as a fresh, softer alternative to Joanna or a standalone spin on the classic Jo—bringing a gentle, contemporary feel to a name with ancient origins.