Wesley
Boy name · 159 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Wesley: 159 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 33 births in 1977.
A name of Old English origin, Wesley means “western meadow” or “from the west field,” combining *west* with *leah* (clearing or meadow). It was first used as a surname before becoming a given name, famously borne by John Wesley, the 18th-century theologian and co-founder of Methodism. His hymn-writing brother Charles Wesley also carried the name. In popular culture, actor Wesley Snipes brought a modern edge to it, while the character Wesley Wyndam-Pryce from *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Angel* added a layer of clever, bookish charm. Though less directly place-linked than its bearer, the name resonates with Methodists through the Wesleyan tradition. The variant Westley offers a rarer but related alternative, while the name itself feels steady and pastoral—a classic with a gentle, grounded feel.
Boy 25 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 197733 babies
- Latest (2024)
- #6194 babies
- Total births
- 159since 1977
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 18%vs prior 5y