"B" Boy Names · Boy · English · Scottish
Barclay
Gender: Boy
Origin: English and Scottish
Meaning: Birchwood or birch clearing
Popularity: Not in the U.S. top 1,000 names
Barclay Name Meaning and Origin
The name Barclay is traditionally a masculine name of Scottish and English origin, derived from the Old English place name Berkeley, which means “birch wood” or “birch clearing.” The name was originally a surname, signifying someone who lived near or in a birch wood area. It has a refined, slightly aristocratic feel due to its historical associations with noble families in Scotland and England. Barclay carries connotations of strength and natural beauty, evoking images of the serene birch forests it describes. In modern usage, it has become a unique given name with a sophisticated yet grounded appeal.
