From the burnt meadow or steep hill
A modern English surname-turned-given name, likely derived from the Old English elements 'brant', meaning steep, or 'brend', meaning burnt, combined with 'leah', meaning a meadow or clearing. It suggests a rugged, natural landscape and follows the popular trend of '-ley' endings for boys.
Less common today
Brentley isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #637 in 2014.
American law enforcement officer involved in a high-profile national news case
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
