Berkley

Berkley is a form of Berkeley, an English surname and place name associated with a birch clearing. The older landscape elements give the name a woodland meaning without making it simply another word for the tree itself. Its surname history also explains its familiarity beyond any one modern place or institution.

Berkley removes one e from Berkeley, a small spelling difference that may need clarification when written down. Pronunciation can vary between British and American usage, particularly in the first syllable. Parents who like its birch association can compare Birch as a more direct nature name, or Bradley for a different English clearing name with a similar overall rhythm.