Wesley
Wesley: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɛsli/ · /ˈwɛzli/
Meaning and origin of Wesley
Root meaning: “west”
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of 18th century and later usage, today often without any religious connotations.
Etymology
Several places in England, from Old English west (“west”) + lēah (“wood, clearing”). Equivalent to west + -ley (“lea”).
How popular is Wesley?
Since 1880, 3,256 girls and 247,713 boys in the U.S. have been named Wesley (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1529 in 1890. Its highest rank for boys was #52 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #52 for boys, with 5,679 babies given the name.
Names similar to Wesley
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Wesley
Sister and brother names that share Wesley's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Wesley FAQ
What does the name Wesley mean?
Wesley traces back to a root meaning "west". A male given name transferred from the surname, of 18th century and later usage, today often without any religious connotations. Several places in England, from Old English west (“west”) + lēah (“wood, clearing”). Equivalent to west + -ley (“lea”).
What is the origin of the name Wesley?
Wesley is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Wesley?
Since 1880, 3,256 girls and 247,713 boys in the U.S. have been named Wesley (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1529 in 1890. Its highest rank for boys was #52 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #52 for boys, with 5,679 babies given the name.
Is Wesley a boy or girl name?
Wesley is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 3,256 girls and 247,713 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.