The nameWesley
Wesley is a boy's name of English origin, first a surname meaning "western meadow". It honours John Wesley, founder of Methodism.
- Boy's name
- English
Meaning
Wesley comes from the Old English west, "west", and leah, "wood, clearing, meadow": "western meadow".
Origin
English. Wesley was a surname before becoming a first name.
History
John Wesley and his brother Charles founded Methodism in the 18th century, and Methodist families gave the name in their honour. It reached the American top 60 recently.
Famous people named Wesley
- John Wesley, founder of Methodism
- Wesley Snipes, actor
- Wesley Sneijder, footballer
Popularity of the name Wesley
Wesley in the United States
Wesley was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 31,634 births over the decade, 13% of all recorded babies named Wesley. Its rise began around 1913, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Wesley in the United States were born before 1984, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 4,568 births a year on average, against 3,589 in the five years before.
Wesley in the United Kingdom
Wesley was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,048 births over the decade, 43% of all recorded babies named Wesley. Half of all babies named Wesley in the United Kingdom were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 66 births a year on average, against 53 in the five years before.
Wesley in Ireland
Wesley in France
Wesley in Belgium
Sibling names for Wesley
Names from the same generation as Wesley, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Wesley? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Wesley with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Wesley side by side with the name of your choice.
Wesley in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wesley mean?
Wesley comes from the Old English west, "west", and leah, "wood, clearing, meadow": "western meadow".
What is the origin of the name Wesley?
English. Wesley was a surname before becoming a first name.
Is Wesley a girl's or a boy's name?
Wesley is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Wesley?
In 2024, Wesley was the 58th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 5,144 births.
What are good sibling names for Wesley?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Josie, Melody, Eliza and Ellie for a sister, Parker, Harrison, Cooper and Elliot for a brother.
Who are famous people named Wesley?
John Wesley, founder of Methodism; Wesley Snipes, actor; Wesley Sneijder, footballer.