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Sorley

Boy name · 122 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Sorley: 122 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 11 births in 2025.

Sorley is the anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic name Somhairle, which traces its roots to the Old Norse Sumarliði, meaning “summer warrior” or “summer sailor,” a fitting name for a seafaring Viking-Gael. The most famous bearer is Somerled, the 12th-century warrior lord who fought to reclaim parts of the Hebrides from Norse rule and is regarded as a founding figure of Clan Donald. In modern times, the great Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean (Somhairle MacGill-Eain)

Boy 19 of 52 years

Peak year
202511 babies
Latest (2025)
#31611 babies
Total births
122since 1998
5-year trend
▲ 48%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2025 · 11
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).