Raleigh - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Raleigh \r(a)-lei-gh\ is pronounced RAH-lee. It is of Old English origin, and its meaning is "roe deer's meadow". Use is probably homage to Sir Walter Raleigh, explorer and court favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, who is supposed to have spread his cape over a puddle so she could cross with dry feet. The city in North Carolina was named for him.

Raleigh has 4 variant forms: Ralegh, Rawleigh, Rawley and Rawly.

Baby names that sound like Raleigh are Ryleigh, Risleigh and Rowleigh.

Raleigh is an uncommon male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Raleigh. Click here to compare Raleigh with related baby names.