Wesley

Updated: October 29, 2021 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Wesley is a kindhearted name that is extremely popular among boys, now ranking on the top 100 list. When thinking of the name, you may first think of the last name such as that which was held by John Wesley, a famous pastor. This is because Wesley did originate as a last name in Old England.

Meaning of the name Wesley:

English: from the west field, western meadow

Origin of the name Wesley:

The baby name Wesley began as an English surname to represent any families who came from towns throughout England that were called Westley. The name did continue in use as a surname during the time of the former of Methodism, John Wesley. The name became popularized, however, during the 1980s, though it was used as a first name during the time of John Wesley.

Symbolism of the name Wesley:

Wesley was given as a surname for towns called Westley. These towns were often on the westernmost side of England, fitting the meaning of “western meadow” or “west field.”

Style of the name Wesley:

Traditional

Gender of the name Wesley:

Wesley is a name used for both boys and girls.

Pronunciation of the name Wesley:

WEHS-lee

Number of syllables in the name Wesley:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Wesley:

Wesley feels kindhearted and endearing. It is a trendy name without becoming too modern.

Alternative spellings for the name Wesley:

Westly
Westley
Wezley
Wesly
Wezly

Nicknames for the name Wesley:

Wes
West
Lee
Wiley
Sly
Wells

Popularity of the name Wesley:

Wesley was on the top 200 list until 1976 in the United States, then it jumped to the top 100 list in 1977 at number 66. The name remained on this list, except for in the years 1983 and 1984 when it went to number 101, until 1989. As of the year 2020, however, the name is back on the top 100 list, ranking at number 98, and in 2019, it ranked at number 99 overall.