The name Blakely is believed to be derived from the Old English elements blæc, meaning "black," and leah, meaning "woodland clearing." It can also be a variant of Blake and mean "Blake's clearing," though Blakely has actually out-performed Blake in the United States every year since 2012, according to the Social Security Administration. Blakely has now been a top 200 baby girl's name every year since 2019. Former winner of "The Voice" Craig Wayne Boyd welcomed a daughter named Blakely Kay Boyd in 2021, which could be a nod to Blake Shelton, who coached him on the hit show. "Big Brother" star Chanelle Hayes welcomed a baby boy named Blakely in 2010.
