Declining since 2021, #1,027 for girls today.
Popularity of Waverly since 1881
Babies named Waverly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 29 |
| 1890s | 0 | 47 |
| 1900s | 0 | 53 |
| 1910s | 12 | 174 |
| 1920s | 20 | 310 |
| 1930s | 38 | 235 |
| 1940s | 51 | 265 |
| 1950s | 66 | 307 |
| 1960s | 50 | 201 |
| 1970s | 41 | 123 |
| 1980s | 22 | 90 |
| 1990s | 244 | 65 |
| 2000s | 390 | 24 |
| 2010s | 1,650 | 48 |
| 2020s | 1,979 | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Waverly first entered U.S. records in 1914, but remained rare for decades. Its modern rise began in the 2010s, peaking at rank 1027 in 2022. Since 2021, its trajectory has been falling, yet it maintains a distinctive presence. The name is most popular in Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, reflecting a geographic preference for the South and Plains. At 1 in 6,587 births in 2025, Waverly remains a uncommon choice, appealing to parents drawn to literary echoes and nature-inspired sounds. Its connection to Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Waverley' gives it a romantic, historical undertone without being overly burdened by association. The name's gentle rhythm and soft consonants fit well with modern tastes for vintage-revival names.
Waverly originates from an English surname, itself derived from place names in England, such as Waverley in Surrey. The place name likely comes from Old English 'wæfre' meaning 'quivering, trembling' (referring to aspen trees) and 'lēah' meaning 'wood, clearing, meadow'. It was popularized as a given name by Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Waverley' (1814).
Where Waverly is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wave, Wavy, Lee
Sibling names for Waverly
Names that share Waverly's style, for a brother or sister.
