Rising since 2007, #52 for boys today.
Popularity of Wesley since 1880
Babies named Wesley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,186 |
| 1890s | 1,365 |
| 1900s | 1,693 |
| 1910s | 7,603 |
| 1920s | 12,861 |
| 1930s | 10,937 |
| 1940s | 12,465 |
| 1950s | 18,074 |
| 1960s | 18,807 |
| 1970s | 23,252 |
| 1980s | 31,088 |
| 1990s | 28,246 |
| 2000s | 21,084 |
| 2010s | 31,167 |
| 2020s | 27,885 |
Meaning & origin
Wesley has been a consistent presence in American naming since records began in 1880, ranking 52nd in the latest year. Its popularity has been rising since 2007, and it reached its peak rank so far in 2025, when about 1 in 306 boys received the name. Historically associated with the Wesleyan Methodist movement, the name has broadened into mainstream use. Geographically, Wesley is most popular in Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Maine, suggesting a strong appeal in states with higher proportions of white, rural, or religious populations. The name's straightforward sound and surname-style heritage align it with other enduring choices like Arthur, Warren, and Owen, while its nickname Wes keeps it approachable. Wesley remains a classic, grounded choice that avoids extremes of fashion.
Wesley is an English surname transferred to given name use. It derives from a place name meaning 'west meadow' or 'western clearing' (Old English west + leah). The name was popularized by John Wesley, the 18th-century founder of Methodism, though it had existed earlier as a surname. Its use as a first name grew steadily in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in religious families and later among general American naming practices.
Where Wesley is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Wesley” around the world
Where Wesley lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
85
babies in 2024
New Zealand
18
babies in 2025
Quebec
47
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wes, Weslie
Sibling names for Wesley
Names that share Wesley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Nora, Claire, Audrey, Hannah, Malinda, Aniston, Loralei, Coralee, Joella, Maelynn, Dabney, Laveda, Wendelyn, Weslie, Weslyn, Weslynn, Yulonda, Candiss, Coraleigh, Dailee, Donette, Mayley, Pleshette, Wandra, Adelee, Adylin, Elloree, Enzlee, Jheri, Joycelin, Leanndra, Leslyn, Lorelee, Veverly, Winda
Brothers: Harrison, Owen, Ethan, Lucas, Caleb, Forrest, Luther, Marshall, Bradford, Cortland, Sherrod, Waymond, Denell, Everhett, Rawley, Sandford, Shermaine, Holston, Marsden, Raliegh, Woodley, Darrek, Gailen, Grantland, Wane, Wensley
Names like Wesley
Names whose popularity has moved with Wesley's over the last 50 years.
