![Wesley - boys name](/images/names/boys/Wesley.jpg)
Wesley name popularity, meaning and origin
Name Popularity: 87%
Wesley name meaning:
The name Wesley is derived from the Old English surname "Westley" or "Westleigh," which means 'western meadow' or 'west meadow.' It is an occupational name that originally referred to someone who lived near or worked in a meadow to the west of a settlement. The name combines the elements "west" referring to direction and "lea/leigh" meaning 'meadow.'
Wesley is also associated with the religious movement known as Methodism, as it was the surname of the founder of the movement, John Wesley. The name gained popularity in the 18th century and has since become a common given name. Wesley has a strong and masculine sound, with a touch of elegance and sophistication. It carries connotations of nature, peacefulness, and a sense of rootedness. Those named Wesley are often described as intelligent, independent, and reliable individuals who possess leadership qualities. Overall, the name Wesley combines historical significance, nature-inspired imagery, and a timeless charm.
Origin: English
The west meadow.
Statistics
Overall UK ranking: 618 out of 4789
60 recorded births last year
Change in rank
- 10yrs
-72 - 5yrs
-24 - 1yr
9
- Scotland (871)
Regional popularity
Ranking for this name in various UK regions
Historical popularity of Wesley
The graph below shows the popularity of the boys's name Wesley from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Wesley in 2024